Last week concluded the Joint Committee on Finances' executive sessions. I want to thank members from both sides for all their hard work. The process is never easy, but the committee was able to work together in creating a budget that helps move Wisconsin forward.
The Capital budget was voted on last week along with these following agencies: Department of Revenue, Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. The main issues revolved around the Capital budget and the committees' decision to provide a middle-class tax cut.
The Budget Going Forward
The budget is currently waiting in line outside the Assembly Chamber expecting a vote by the end of the month. From there, the budget will run up to the Senate Chamber and hear what they have to say. If they end up liking the budget, they will ship it off to the Governor's desk. If they don't end up liking it, we will continue to ride out former Governor Walkers' budget until the current budget makes a few more friends.
The Capital Budget
Governor Evers proposed a $2.5 billion Capital budget for 82 various building projects around the state. The Joint Committee on Finance approved $1.9 billion of that, providing no funding for 18 projects recommended by the Governor. One of those projects was the second phase of construction for the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's new Prairie Springs Science Center, in which they would have received $83 million. Overall, the committee approved $1 billion of the $1.9 to go towards the UW-System.
Here are a few UW-System projects that were approved:
$130 million for a new chemistry building at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
$128 million in additions and renovations for the veterinary school at the University of Wisconsin Madison
$109 million for a health science building at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
A few non UW-System projects approved:
$44 million to expand Mendota Juvenile Treatment Center
$100 million for a new Wisconsin Historical Society facility
$10 million for a research space and facility to expand cancer research at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
A few non UW-System projects rejected:
$30 million for redevelopment of the Alliant Energy Center
$98.5 million for a new state office building in Milwaukee
$115 million for building three prisons for serious juvenile offenders, aiming to close the state's youth prisons: Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake.
Department of Revenue
The Joint Committee on Finance approved a tax cut of $450 million over the biennium- an average income tax reduction of $75 the first year and $136 the second year. Evers' tax cut plan which was rejected would have been funded through the state's surplus fund, providing an average income tax reduction of $216.
E-cigarettes and vapor products:
Evers' proposed a 71% tax of the manufacturer's list price - would have generated an estimated $34.7 million in the next two years. However, the committee voted to impose a 5 cents per milliliter on vapor products - generating $5.5 million over the biennium.
Department of Natural Resources
Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund
Many of you have contacted me regarding the vote to reauthorize the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund throughout the past couple months. You will be pleased to know that the Joint Committee on Finance voted to extend the program through 2022. However, they rejected the Democratic motion to extend the program for another 10 years. Nonetheless, our tourism industry, forestry, and hunting and fishing industries will continue to be the face of Wisconsin. This program is very important to our state's heritage and I hope funding continues in the future.
Other Departmental Proposals
Approved $1.2 million for an increase in park staffing and operations - $700,000 less than Evers' proposal.
Increased funding for ATV & UTV County Enforcement Aids
$76,000 in additional funding for CAFO oversight and regulation
Until next time,
Steve
| State Rep. Steve Doyle - PO BOX 8952, Madison 53708 |
