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Rep. Hutton: Statement on Governor's Budget Address
[Madison, Wis.] – Representative Rob Hutton
(R-Brookfield) issued the following statement in regards to
Governor Walker’s budget address.
“On February 20th, Governor Walker re-confirmed his 5 priorities
for the State of Wisconsin and his desire to see citizens
less dependent overall on government.
“Last session, the Governor, along with the Republican
legislature, made tough budget decisions and erased a $3.6
billion deficit. This resulted in a projected fiscal year
end surplus of over $400 million, the largest opening
balance Wisconsin has seen since 2001.
“Today, issues such as economic growth, education reform,
and tax relief are taking center stage. Within my district
citizens are saying they want smaller and more efficient
government, while maintaining the quality of necessary
services.
“The budget is now in the hands of the State Legislature. I
look forward to working with my fellow colleagues to approve
a budget that keeps more money in the hands of the hard
working citizens of our State.”
Rep. Hutton serves the 13th Assembly District. The district
includes the Town of Brookfield, the Village of Elm Grove,
and portions of the City of Brookfield, Milwaukee, Wauwatosa
and West Allis.
The Governor's budget address marks the beginning of the
process to pass Wisconsin's 2013-2015 biennial budget. In
the months to follow there will be much review and debate of
the budget by the Assembly, Senate, Joint Finance Committee
and state agencies. This is a long process that will
culminate in Governor Walker signing the bill into law
sometime near the end of June.
The process starts with the Governor's budget address which he gave on February 20th. In his address he outlined many important topics such as school choice, educational funding, allocating money to research and the expansion of Medicaid. The bill has now been referred to three committees with a bulk of the review being sent to the Joint Finance Committee.
The Joint Finance Committee will hold public hearings around the state to gather input from businesses, groups and the citizens of Wisconsin in order to compile recommendations that will be sent to the Assembly and Senate. While the JFC reviews the budget many of Wisconsin's state agencies will do their own reviews on certain aspects and provide budget memos for legislators informing them as to how specific items in the budget will impact Wisconsin.
Once the bill has come out of the JFC with their recommendations it heads to the Assembly and Senate floor. Both houses have the option to pass the bill with the JFC's recommendations or to further amend the bill. If both houses pass the same bill it will then head to the Governor's desk to be signed. If both houses pass the budget but have made separate amendments then the bill must go to the Legislative Conference Committee which is made up of leaders from both houses. In this committee they will agree upon an identical bill so that it may pass and be sent to the Governor's desk.
The Governor is both the beginning and the end of the process. Once the bill has reached his desk for approval there are several option he may take. He has the choice to pass the bill, veto it, or do a combination of both. The "line item veto" function allows our Governor to veto certain aspects of the bill while still signing the budget into law.
As the budget progresses through this progress I will provide many updates. I will make certain to advertise the dates and times of the public hearings once they are know to me. If there are and questions, concerns, or ideas for the budget please feel free to contact my office.
Right the Rules Initiative
This session the Assembly is dedicated to reviewing the 1,768 chapters in the Administrative Code. These rules are designed by state agencies to enforce the laws created by the state legislature. By reviewing the Administrative Code it will give us a chance to find rules that may be preventing businesses in Wisconsin from succeeding. Specifically we are looking for rules that are out of date, delay projects, duplicate federal rules, or simply add extra costs to everyday tasks.
I am asking you, as my constituent in the 13th Assembly district, to help us in this important process. You will be able to track the review process at http://righttherules.legis.wisconsin.gov and submit your opinions on specific rules and regulations.
With your help, along with every citizen of Wisconsin, we will be able to eliminate regulations that restrict job growth or that are unnecessary for the protection of our public and environment.
Rep. Hutton Launches Social Media Websites
[Madison, Wis.] –Today, Representative Hutton (R-Brookfield)
launched his official website along with his official
Facebook page and Twitter account.
“I want to use every option available to me to stay
connected with my constituents,” said Rep. Hutton. “By
utilizing these fast paced information centers I can make
sure my constituents are informed on the issues that matter
to them. As we continue to move into a more digital era,
these applications will increase the ways in which my
constituents can voice their ideas and concerns.”
Rep. Hutton’s website can be found at
http://legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/hutton/Pages/default.aspx.
You can also “Like” his Facebook page at
http://www.facebook.com/#!/RepHutton and “Follow” him on
Twitter at
https://twitter.com/StateRepHutton.
