23rd Assembly District Update – June 27, 2013

Governor Walker to Sign State Budget

 

Pending any final vetoes, on Sunday Governor Walker will sign the 2013-15 biennial state budget into law, bringing to a close a process that began last September.  While no one is ever satisfied with every provision in the budget, I voted for it because on balance it's a very good budget which improves the climate for job creation and economic development in Wisconsin; including the creation of an investment Capital program to encourage new business start-ups. 

 

Some of the highlights of the budget include:

 

·        A tax cut of $649 million benefiting all income earners in the state with additional tax credits that bring the overall cut to nearly one billion dollars;

·        A UW System tuition and allocable fee freeze for the next two years;

·        A $4,000 annual tax deduction for parents of K-8 students who do not attend public schools and a $10,000 deduction for each K-12 student;

·        Increased support for public education of $150 per year per pupil in each year of the biennium;

·        An expansion of school choice statewide for students with family incomes below 185% of the Federal  Poverty Level.  The increase will be capped at 500 new students for the first year of the budget and 1,000 students in the second year;

·        Increased funding to veteran service organizations providing assistance to veterans and their families;

·        Maintains state support for SeniorCare program;

·        Restores funding for county land conservation staff and,

·        Reduces the overall number of state employees.

 

For a more detailed look at the provisions in the final version of the budget please go to the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau’s (LFB) website at: http://legis.wisconsin.lfb.

 

Where does your money go?

 

As the biennial budget covers all aspects of state funding, the Governor and Legislature must carefully weigh our obligations to existing services. Below is a graphic from the LFB showing 2013-15 All Funds Appropriations By Functional Area.  The graphic was prepared by Bob Lang, Director of LFB.

 

 

 

Parades

 

Independence Day is a great time to take in some fireworks as well as one of the many local parades.  I’m looking forward to participating in the Mequon-Thiensville Fun Before the 4th parade on Saturday, June 29th beginning at 10 AM.

 

On Thursday, July 4th I will be in the Fox Point parade starting at 10 AM and the Whitefish Bay parade, beginning at 11:30 AM.  Hope to see you at one of these great local events. 

 

 

Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July!

 

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State Capitol - Room 317 North - Post Office Box 8953 - Madison, Wisconsin 53708
(608) 266-0486 - District: (262) 240-0808 - Toll Free: (888) 534-0023 - Rep.Ottj@legis.wi.gov