JFC Republicans Obstruct Wisconsin’s Road to Recovery

Majority Party Faces No Consequences for Ignoring the Will of the People

MADISON – Today the Republican-led Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) removed over 380 items from Governor Tony Evers’ budget, outright dismissing broad public support for popular budget initiatives. BadgerCare expansion, historic broadband investments and marijuana legalization are only a few of the 380 items Republicans removed.

Republicans’ actions will severely hamper Wisconsin’s recovery from the pandemic. Wisconsin will lose $2.4 billion in federal aid and have fewer dollars available for public schools, health services, roads and more, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau.

Sen. Jeff Smith released the following statement in response to JFC action:

“Republicans show just how far removed they are from reality with every single budget initiative they cut. Rather than trying to sabotage Wisconsin’s recovery efforts, Republicans need to work with Governor Evers to get to the other side of this deadly pandemic and prevent another economic downturn. We need a bold plan to help Wisconsin bounce back stronger than we were before the pandemic hit. These policies cavalierly cast aside by Republicans were opportunities to support working families and help communities thrive.

“The Republican Majority clearly isn’t listening to the people – the sad truth is they won’t face any consequences. Wisconsin must have fair maps to hold elected officials accountable and prevent these disastrous decisions from being made in the future.”

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