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September 13, 2017                                                                                                                              (608) 266-0315

Budget Passes with Rep. Tittl’s Support

Madison: State Representative Paul Tittl (R-Manitowoc) voted in favor of the 2017-2019 state budget approved late Wednesday night by the full Assembly.

“This budget is something I can get behind because I know it will help people across the state,” Rep. Tittl said. “I am excited about the decrease in taxes, the increase in education funding, and the positive impact on the average citizen.”

The budget lays the groundwork for more sustainable road funding while reducing the level of borrowing. It provides $10 million to local road improvements that benefit families, businesses, and communities throughout the state.

“During listening sessions, people regularly stressed the legislature needs to do something to fix the roads without saddling future generations with insurmountable debt,” said Rep. Tittl.

The budget eliminates several state taxes while holding the line on sales, property, and income taxes. It also partially repeals the personal property tax for small businesses. It secures an additional $639 million for K-12 education and more than $16 million of new investments for special education and mental health services.

“By investing in our children, we are investing in the future generation of Wisconsin,” said Rep. Tittl. “This budget demonstrates the commitment legislators have to giving each student the tools to succeed both in and out of the classroom.”

The budget impacts higher education by freezing tuition at state universities for two more years, for a total of six years without a tuition hike. It also increases financial aid by $15 million, enhances worker training by providing additional funding for Fast Forward, Career and Technical Education, and the purchase of technical equipment by school districts.

“The challenge, as is true with every budget, is to maintain fiscal responsibility while making appropriate investments in state programs,” Rep. Tittl said. “This budget fulfills both these responsibilities while allowing people to keep more of their own money.”

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