June 16, 2011

State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) issued the following statement after the Senate approved the 2011-13 state budget.

"The budget Governor Scott Walker and the Legislature approved does not borrow and tax recklessly," Lazich said. "The budget charts a course away from debt and propels Wisconsin into economic recovery."

"The last four budgets included billion dollar increases. The two most recent budgets each increased by $6 billion. This budget is not increased by even one billion dollars. This budget refrains from increasing taxes and fees, eliminates the structural deficit and sets the stage for economic prosperity."

The budget includes a provision by Lazich and Assembly Representatives David Craig (R-Town of Vernon), Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield) and Steve Nass (R-Town of La Grange) that gives Mukwonago High School until January 15, 2013 to change its mascot. The deadline to comply with the Department of Public Instruction mandate was October 8, 2011.

"Mukwonago High School and the Mukwonago community go to great lengths to be respectful to Native American history," Lazich said. "Currently, school districts are assumed guilty of discrimination and must prove innocence. This is a fundamental departure from our country’s legal tradition and must be addressed. The extended deadline will give the school, Legislature and court system time to operate and address this issue."