FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 9, 2015

CONTACT: Rep. Todd Novak 608.266.7502

Rep. Novak’s Statement on State Budget

MADISON – Rep. Todd Novak (R-Dodgeville) issued the following statement after voting against final passage of the state budget:

“Over the past several months, I’ve heard from many of you about ways to improve our state’s two-year spending plan and what I, as a legislator, should work to prioritize. With your feedback, I truly believe that I’ve been effective in taking the governor’s original proposal and making it better for the people of southwest Wisconsin.

“I’m pleased that this budget prioritizes our public schools and makes a $200 million in our K-12 system. It also moves to save SeniorCare, and ensures our ADRCs and IRIS are maintained for our most vulnerable.

“And finally, this budget does a number of great things for our community – like creating an economic development fund for our region to help grow our economy.  Per my request, this budget provides tax incentives for teachers, initiatives to promote tourism in our communities and even assistance that will help law enforcement combat drug abuse in our neighborhoods.

“While I am proud of the progress that my colleagues and I made in improving this budget, I felt that ultimately I could not in good conscience support its final passage.

“Although there is a reduction in the amount of borrowing in this budget, I continue to fear that our state’s transportation spending is on an unsustainable path. With an aging infrastructure and a stagnant source of transportation revenues, this budget does not go far enough in addressing our state’s long-term transportation needs.

“Many of you have also shared with me your concerns with the effects that this budget will have on public education. As a parent of two, I strongly believe that it’s our responsibility to ensure that our students, whether in our K-12 system or in our universities, receive the support they need to be successful. Sadly, I believe this budget falls short in this measure. 

“As an independent voice for our community in the state legislature, I will continue to work hard to represent your views in our state Capitol. The input I received from many of you was crucial in helping me reaching this decision, and I believe that my vote on this budget best reflects the views of our district.”

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