Starting the Budget Process

This week the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) kicked off the budget process with Agency Briefings. These briefings are important because it gives the leaders of the different agencies throughout the state the opportunity to come in front of the JFC and explain why their agency requests should be adopted in the final budget bill.

On Wednesday we heard from the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Secretary-designee of Transportation and Secretary-designee of Health Services. Yesterday, we followed up Wednesday's questioning by hearing from the Secretary-designee of Workforce Development, Secretary-designee of Corrections and Secretary-designee of Natural Resources.

While I hoped to hear that these agencies would be supportive of the policies that helped Wisconsin grow the past eight years, these secretaries described a budget that rolls back many of the reforms that have moved Wisconsin forward. Here are a few of those proposals:

• State Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor confirmed that the Governor's budget threatens school choice programs, especially for low-income families.
• Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm explained how this budget will place an additional 80,000 people on welfare by expanding Medicaid.
• Secretary-designee Caleb Frostman from the Department of Workforce Development justified transferring many programs aimed at developing Wisconsin's workforce to the Department of Public Instruction. 
  

Today we will be moving on to the next phase of the budget process and hear from the public. Starting in Janesville, we, as a committee, will spend the next couple of weeks traveling around the state to host a series of public hearings. These hearings give citizens a chance to discuss issues you feel are most important to address in the budget.

If you are unable to attend and would like to discuss issues that you feel are important, please know that you can always contact my office at 608-266-0656 or at Rep.Katsma@legis.wisconsin.gov. 

 Visitors from Ukraine discuss Human Trafficking

On Tuesday I had the privilege to meet with a group of young leaders from Ukraine who were hosted by the Sheboygan Rotary Club. These very impressive young professionals were taking part in the Open World program, and came to the Capitol to discuss the real problem of Human Trafficking. I appreciate their passion in tackling this important issue that affects many people from all around the world. Thank you for visiting!

Purchase your 2019 Hunting and Fishing Licenses

Wisconsin is one of the best states for outdoor recreation, and I encourage everyone to get outdoors and experience all the state has to offer! Don't forget to purchase your hunting and fishing license for the 2019 season. Licenses and conservation cards can be purchased online at GoWild.wi.gov.

Office of Rep. Terry Katsma
State Capitol, Room 306 East
PO Box 8952
Madison, WI 53708
Toll-Free (888) 529-0026 or (608) 266-0656
Rep.Katsma@legis.wisconsin.gov|  |