Background:

Over the years, both parties have included spending for “location-specific” projects (aka earmarks or pork) in the state budget.  Some say this helps vulnerable legislators get reelected or helps ensure a particular legislator votes for the budget.  Earmarks typically cost a few million dollars in a budget.

This budget had to address an unprecedented budget deficit of over $6 billion, by raising taxes and fees by $2 billion, cutting programs, and using federal 'stimulus' funds.  To gauge opinion on earmarks in this context, I invited people throughout the region to respond to an online poll question about whether earmarks are a good idea given our budget trouble.  An overwhelming majority of 94% said earmarks are inappropriate at this time.  I supported an amendment to remove all budget earmarks.   

Outcome:

The budget bill passed with dozens of earmarks intact.  Total earmark spending is just more than $30,000,000.  All of the following are examples of budget earmarks approved in the final budget bill:

$500,000 to help renovate the Grand Opera House in Oshkosh

• $100,000 for a stone barn built in 1903 in the Town of Chase in Oconto County
• $125,000 grant to remodel the L.E. Phillips Library in the city of Eau Claire
• $50,000 grant to install playground equipment in Preservation Park on the Rock River in Beloit

SEE THE MOST CURRENT LIST OF EARMARKS APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATURE (PDF)