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Another promise kept.  Just as we said we would do in November, Republicans in the legislature have passed a state budget for 2011-2013 that restores fiscal sanity back to Wisconsin. 

 

As promised, we passed a budget that didn’t raise taxes or fees on working families, raid segregated funds, use accounting gimmicks or pass down debt to our children.  Basically, we did what responsible families have had to do in these tight times.  We cut up the credit cards.  We stopped spending more than we are taking in.  We did just what we said we would do – take a different path.

 

Lawmakers from both parties have continually pushed the problem down the road, avoiding making difficult decisions so they would have an easier time getting re-elected in two years.  We told you if we regained the majority that we wouldn’t do that.  This is a budget that is focused not on the next election, but the next generation.

We have taken a $3 billion plus deficit and wiped it out.  In fact, the Legislative Fiscal Bureau estimates that in two years the state will be in the black.  The final product, which began with the Governor’s budget proposal in February and lengthy public hearings, was achieved in a completely open and transparent manner.  It was finished on time and lays the groundwork for a prosperous future.

 

In addition to not raising taxes in this two year spending plan, we’ve also instituted the first-ever permanent property tax freeze in the state’s history.  For too long, homeowners have shouldered more than their fair share of the tax burden. 

 

The budget also maintains our commitment to our most vulnerable.  The cuts we made allowed us to fully fund the popular SeniorCare program and the Veteran’s Trust Fund.   Funding was restored so local governments can continue their recycling programs.  We provided schools with the flexibility and savings they need to properly educate our children. 

 

The tough decisions we have made are helping us keep another promise– to put Wisconsin back to work.  Since the session began in January, nearly 30,000 new jobs have been created.  Eliminating burdens on job creators, providing incentives for growth and holding the line on taxes will help cultivate a better business climate. 

 

As the country’s economy continues to struggle, business leaders around the country are starting to notice what is happening here.  Wisconsin showed the largest jump in the history of CEO magazine’s “Best Places to do Business” survey. 

 

We promised we would take a different path – one that moves away from the tax and spend policies the dug the state into a hole many thought we wouldn’t be able to climb out of.  There is still much to do, but rest assured that we get it.  We will not quit until our economy is thriving and every citizen has the opportunity to provide for their family.