January 20, 2017

Volume 3 Issue 3

State Representative Janel Brandtjen

Next up – Wisconsin’s Biennium Budget

In case you missed it, Wisconsin’s Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) announced Wednesday that the projected $693 million budget deficit has turned into a $21 million surplus.  Increased revenues along with lower than projected Medicaid outlays have put Wisconsin in a very good position going into the 2017-19 budget process.

Governor Walker has used the first three budgets he has presided over to lower property taxes, increase the rainy day fund, strengthen education and significantly lower the amount of money we borrow.  Last session the legislature and the governor crafted a budget that fully funded the Wisconsin State Retirement System putting the state in a very elite group.

In his State of the State Address, Governor Walker reaffirmed his resolve to fund the transportation budget without raising taxes.  I fully support his efforts and I am ready to work with the governor to lower Wisconsin’s tax burden and at the same time provide funding for vital services.  We need to pass a budget that reflects the values of Wisconsin’s taxpayers. 

Ushering in a new era

Today at Noon we swore in the 45^th President of the United States.  I am extremely optimistic that the new administration will be significantly more cooperative regarding some of the reforms the Wisconsin legislature has considered enacting. 

Sanctuary Cities- All of Wisconsin’s citizens deserve to be safe.  Now is the perfect time to discuss common sense policies that provide protections from those who wish to do us harm.

Welfare Reform – It is time we enact policies that provide incentives to work.

Tax Reform – We now have a leader who understands business.  Let’s provide incentives for business as opposed to creating obstacles.

Education- It is time we bring education into the 21^st century.  We should be giving choices to students and parents, expanding tech and trade curriculums, and restructuring how we provide a college education.

God Bless Wisconsin!

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             The Beginning of a New Era