Budget Finalized

The Joint Finance Committee wrapped up its work on the biennial state budget yesterday, and while I am sure no legislator is ever happy with every item in the budget, this is a very good spending plan overall. 

In the next few weeks, I will continue to focus on different areas of the budget in my e-update. One of the highlights that came from the final meeting yesterday was the approval of a middle-class income tax cut of more than $300 million.

According to the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau, the cut would result in an average income tax reduction of $136 for a Wisconsin resident in 2020. What’s especially great about this proposal is that, by using the budget surplus we have built up over the past several years, we are able to provide this tax relief to middle-class individuals and families without increasing taxes on others.

The tax cut approved by the Joint Finance Committee is similar to the one that was vetoed by Gov. Tony Evers earlier this year that would have helped residents making less than $100,000 and families earning $150,000 or less. The only major difference is the JFC tax cut has been reduced from $340 million to $300 million, so we are hopeful the governor will be more open to considering this option.

Gov. Evers has been proposing a $340 million income tax cut, but he wants to pay for a portion of it by eliminating a significant part of the Manufacturing and Agriculture Tax Credit, which has helped create 42,000 jobs over a recent four-year period.

I am pleased that the Joint Finance Committee’s plan will return some of your hard-earned tax dollars back to you without shifting the burden onto our job creators. It’s a win-win for everyone.

However, I am disappointed by the Joint Finance Committee’s decision to follow Gov. Evers’ recommendation to reauthorize the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program for only two years.

I had submitted a budget motion in April that would have extended this important conservation program for an additional decade at its current annual funding level of $33 million, but the Joint Finance Committee voted to go with two years instead.

Since it was established in 1989, the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program has been reauthorized for 10 years every decade with broad bipartisan support. I was advocating for the 10 years again because I believe it is imperative that we provide long-term stability to this program that has done so much over the years to preserve our valuable natural areas and wildlife habitat, protect water quality and fisheries and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Please know that this fight is far from over. I will remain steadfast in working with the governor and my fellow legislators over the next two years to find a long-term solution to maintaining the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.

I will also be meeting with my Assembly colleagues next week to review the entire budget carefully to ensure the spending plan approved by the Joint Finance Committee benefits the entire state and reflects the priorities of all Wisconsin families. I will be proud to support a budget that does just that. We are scheduled to vote on the budget in two weeks. 

Education Testimony

I was honored to testify this week in front of the Assembly Education Committee on AB 223, legislation I drafted that would create a new state aid program for certain consolidated school districts.

I made it clear to committee members right away that my bill, which is endorsed by the Blue Ribbon Commission on School Funding, would not force school districts to consolidate. Rather, it would provide incentives to specific school districts that consolidate after July 1, 2020.

In a nutshell, AB 223 softens the impact of increasing property taxes if the combining districts have different mill rates.

One of the objectives of the Blue Ribbon Commission was to remove barriers and assist schools that are considering consolidation. AB 223 is one bill in a package of four that will be coming out in the near future to help reach that goal. Simply put, AB 223 is only one piece of the total effort.

There are some financial benefits that come with consolidation, but more importantly, it can also lead to increased educational opportunities, including more advanced placement courses, which help students perform better on standardized tests and become better prepared in their post-secondary education.

I understand that consolidation is a difficult process and is not the right choice for every school district. All my bill does is give school districts additional tools to help them move forward with consolidation if they decide that is the best option for them.

If you are interested in watching a video of me giving my testimony in full, please click on this link. 

WDOR Segment

If you are interested in hearing me speak about the bills I'm working on or the state budget, please tune in to my monthly appearance on WDOR this Monday.

The segment begins at 10:20 a.m. and can be heard on 93.9 FM or 910 AM. You can also listen to the show on WDOR's website by clicking here.

In addition to discussing state matters, I will also be taking calls from listeners who either have questions or would like to provide me with their views on state government.

 Because it has been extremely busy in Madison recently with budget deliberations coming to a close, I appreciate being given the opportunity to talk about important issues with you in a relaxed setting.

I find great value in these conversations because the knowledge I gain helps me better advocate for our district's needs at the state Capitol. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Upcoming District Events!

What: Kewaunee County Breakfast on the Farm
Where: Kinnard Farms, N8200 Tamarack Road, Casco, WI
When: Sunday, June 16, breakfast starting at 8 a.m.
Details: "Kewaunee County Dairy Promotion and Kinnard Farms would like to invite you & your family to join us on Father's Day, June 16th, for a Sunday full of fun, great food, and quality family time. Church Service: 7AM. Serving Breakfast: 8AM – NOON. $7 Ages 12 +, $3 Ages 4-12, Free Under Age 3."

What: Fyr Bal Festival
Where: Throughout Ephraim, WI
When: Saturday, June 15, starting at 7:30 a.m.
Details: "Celebrate the transition of spring into summer on the shoreline of Eagle Harbor! Embrace Ephraim’s Scandinavian heritage with a fun-filled day of music, dancing, crafts, artisans and much more! Live bands provide festive entertainment throughout the festival. As the sun sets, a bonfire is lit to represent the burning of the “Winter Witch” and welcome the long days of summer. A fireworks display over Eagle Harbor brings the festival to a dramatic close leaving spectators excited to return next year."

What: Kick Off to Summer
Where: Sunset Park, 747 N. Third Ave., Sturgeon Bay, WI
When: Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Details: "Celebrate the start of summer with activities for children and families; arts and craft stations, bounce houses, a petting zoo, kayak demonstrations, music, face painting, a fun run and various games, sports and activities and much more! Call or visit sturgeonbaywi.org for more information."