GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The state Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee held a meeting in Green Bay Wednesday to get public input on the 2019-21 state budget.
The legislature is majority Republican but Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has veto power, so Democrats and Republicans will have to work together.
“Gov. Evers does have a strong veto pen,” said State Sen. Dave Hansen, D-Green Bay.
“So he is going to be able to dictate, and I would say to my Republican friends and colleagues that it’s time we work together and make a budget that’s going to work for everybody.”
State Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, tells FOX 11 that’s what they plan to do.
“We want to work with Gov. Evers to make this budget work and live within our means and go forwards not backward.”
Hundreds showed up to speak at the hearing held at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. They all had their own ideas on how money should be spent.
“I would ask your support for predictable and sustainable funding as proposed with the revenue limit adjustment of $204 per pupil in 2019-20,” said Sue Todey.
“We’re here today to discuss four topics. UWGB and the Oneida Nation First Nations program, Native American tourism of Wisconsin funding,” said another speaker, Brandon Stevens.
It’s one of several public hearings that have been held around the state.
Two hundred seventy-five people signed up to speak, plus written testimony.
Residents from around Northeast Wisconsin came to talk to state lawmakers about issues important to each of them.
“The lack of quality caregivers is a stark and real problem facing thousands of residents around Wisconsin,” said Stephanie Burningham.
“I am an owner of helping hands caregivers a personal care agency providing services to approximately 400 older adults and people with disabilities in Northeast Wisconsin,” said Linda Bova.
Topics from education to healthcare were brought up to the committee, as organizations and those touched by them made a case for funding.
Some issues crossed partisan lines.
Wisconsin has been an outlier in turning down extra federal Medicare money.” said Robert Craig of Citizen Action of Wisconsin, a liberal advocacy group. “We’re the only state in this whole region that’s still turning down the money.”
Citizen Action of Wisconsin argued to expand BadgerCare to those who currently earn too much money to qualify.
“This will expand healthcare to an additional 83,000 people,” said Craig.
Republicans believe expanding BadgerCare will raise the price of private insurers.
After all of the hearings are done throughout the state, the committee will have to decide how to allocate the funds and draft its own budget. Both houses of the Legislature and governor all have to approve the budget.
The budget year begins on July 1st. But, there is no government shutdown if an agreement is not reached by then. Current spending levels continue until the new budget is enacted.
