In the Budget: Health Services, Children and Transportation

This week we had a very busy week deciding on some of the most important issues of the budget season: Health Services, Children and Families and Transportation.

I, along with the other Republicans on the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC), approved historic investments aimed at increasing healthcare access and affordability for millions of Wisconsinites. Overall, this budget provides an increase of more than $1.6 billion for health care services without expanding welfare. The over $30 million increase for nursing homes and $37 million increase for personal care workers ensures that some of Wisconsin's most vulnerable citizens will continue to receive the quality care they need. These investments build on the legislation that the Assembly passed earlier this session that guarantees protections for Wisconsinites with pre-existing conditions.

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) supports the safety and well-being of Wisconsin's youth. Recognizing how important it is to protect all children throughout the state, Republicans provided a $125 million increase to the DCF and county child welfare services. In recent years, our counties have seen a strain on their budgets due to an increase in the need of Child Protective Services resources, and this budget increases aid by $30.5 million to help relieve the counties of this burden. By providing a larger investment than Governor Tony Evers' recommendations, Republicans have reaffirmed our commitment to Wisconsin's children and future.

We ended this week's budget discussions by authorizing nearly $400 million for transportation spending without raising the gas tax. Republicans provides a significant increase into infrastructure that is vital to Wisconsin's economy, while also keeping borrowing historically low. A well-built and modern infrastructure system is important to Sheboygan County and the state as a whole.

I am proud of the investments we made this week, and will continue to keep you informed as the budget process nears its finish. As always, I encourage you to follow my updates on social media or contact my office directly with your questions.  Best wishes on your weekend!

Celebrate Dairy Month

June is National Dairy Month and a there are plenty of reasons to celebrate the dairy industry in Wisconsin. Dairy contributes $43.3 billion to Wisconsin's economy every year. There is no better time to learn more about the dairy industry than this Saturday at Sheboygan County's "Breakfast on the Farm" event. It is a great event where you can see animals on the farm, get educated about dairy and get served a wonderful breakfast by ME! I hope to see you there!

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|  |