Protecting Students and Citizens

On Tuesday, the Joint Committee on Finance focused on the UW-System and Criminal Justice. We entered the day knowing how important it is to make investments in these areas, and protected Wisconsin's citizens in the process.

My Republican colleagues and I voted to invest an additional $93 million over the biennium into the UW-System, while also extending the tuition freeze for resident students for two more years. This vote means that tuition will have been frozen for eight consecutive years, and according to the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau, has saved the average student more than $6,000 compared to the ten year trend. This vote reaffirms Republicans' commitment to keeping college affordable for all Wisconsin citizens.

In addition to protecting Wisconsin students from increasing college costs, we also passed important investments in our criminal justice system. The other Republican members of the Joint Finance Committee and I passed an increase the number of prosecutors statewide, including in Sheboygan County. By also improving the compensation for prosecutors and public defenders, and raising the rate paid to private attorneys who take public defender assignments, we sent a clear message that protection of Wisconsin's citizens is a priority in this budget.

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!

Don't Forget: Free Fun Weekend

Don't forget that this weekend is the annual Free Fun Weekend in Wisconsin. During this time Wisconsin residents and visitors can fish for free, hike or bike state trails for free, enjoy free admission to state parks and forests and ride public ATV trails for free. So make sure to get outside and enjoy Wisconsin's natural resources!

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|  |