Lawmakers respond to Governor Evers’ budget address

By Tom Lally

WAUSAU, Wis. (WAOW) - Governor Tony Evers called on the legislature to take up his two-year budget on Tuesday.

Chairman Andrew Hitt of The Republican Party of Wisconsin said, “This is the worst possible time for a budget that grows government, hikes taxes and serves special interests and bureaucrats at the expense of hardworking families." He went on to call the budget a "liberal wish-list."

On the other hand, Democratic state representative Katrina Shankland out of Stevens Point said the Governor's budget meets the moment. "The Governor's budget makes meaningful investments that will make a real difference."

Republican State Representative Pat Snyder of Wausau said he was encouraged by budget priorities, including broadband expansion, support for K-12 education, and childcare funding. However, he criticized the Governor's reliance on unapproved initiatives such as legalizing marijuana. "This budget is based on math that takes into account revenue sources that do not exist and as a result irresponsibly increases spending beyond what we can afford."

Next, the budget will go to the Joint Finance Committee, which State Senator Mary Felzkowski of Irma serves on.