So-called "People's Budget" Leaves Many Behind

Last week Thursday, Gov. Evers unveiled his budget request before a joint session of the Wisconsin State Legislature.

In the months prior and on the campaign trail Gov. Evers pledged to work across the aisle in a bipartisan effort and promised to not raise taxes. Not only did the governor break his promise by proposing more than $1 billion in new taxes in his budget, his commitment to bipartisanship appears to be nothing more than a campaign gimmick.

His budget includes billions in new spending, raises taxes on hardworking families and drastically grows the size of government. This budget is anything but bipartisan and ignores districts like ours that are outside of Madison.

The governor’s request increases government spending by more than $6 billion, spending down the entire budget surplus created by Republicans over the last eight years. The proposal includes more spending for government welfare in addition to eliminating work requirements for those programs. The plan also calls for significant tax hikes on small businesses, agriculture and manufacturers, and increases in property taxes.

Just this week, Gov. Evers announced a $30 million taxpayer funded project included in his capital budget for a private company in Madison. This type of spending is simply unacceptable.

It is important that we address priorities like education, transportation and access to affordable healthcare. But we can fund those priorities without raising taxes and expanding size of government.

Assembly Republicans will remain steadfast in our commitment to fight tax increases and spend wisely to adequately invest in our priorities.

Honoring Our Heroes

Every April Wisconsin honors its war heroes with Honor Flights that fly to Washington and back to recognize those who have served our country.

The Stars and Stripes Honor Flight in Southeastern Wisconsin is now accepting applications from Vietnam War Veterans.

Even if you don’t know a veteran, you can participate by applying to be a guardian to assist veterans during the flight, at the memorial and upon return. There are also other opportunities to be part of the welcome home celebration, volunteer or give donations.

For more information on the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight visit: https://www.starsandstripeshonorflight.org/

Avoid Tax Scams

With tax season wrapping up the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection warns filers to be mindful of tax scams.

During tax season, aggressive scammers will pose as IRS tax collectors requesting immediate payment with threats of jail if their requests are not met. If you receive one of these calls, hang up immediately, do not provide any information and report the incident to your local law enforcement’s non-emergency line.

Remember, the calls are fake. The IRS will never call you and threaten arrest for back taxes. To avoid scams check out the Consumer Protection Fact Sheet.

 Don’t Miss These In-District Events!

• Taste of Oak Creek-Franklin – Thursday, March 7 – Oak Creek Community Center – 8580 S Howell Ave, Oak Creek https://www.eventbrite.com/e/taste-of-oak-creek-franklin-tickets-54711546709
• “Singin’ in the Rain” musical – Saturday, March 16, 7:30 pm – Saturday, March 17, 2 pm – South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, 901 15th Ave, South Milwaukee https://southmilwaukeepac.org/event/smhstheatremusical/2019-03-16/?utm_source=March+2019&utm_campaign=SM+Events&utm_medium=email
• American Legion Post #27 100th Birthday Party – Saturday, March 23, at 5 pm – Cost: $14, age 6 and under: $6, includes ham, mac and cheese, sweet potatoes, green beans, salad, rolls and desert – tickets available at the American Legion Post, 920 Monroe Ave, South Milwaukee
• Bet on the Arts Game Night – Saturday, March 23, 7 pm – South Milwaukee Knights of Columbus, 732 Badger Ave, South Milwaukee – All proceeds benefit the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center https://southmilwaukeepac.org/event/soiree-a-party-for-a-purpose/