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The biennium budget passed by the
legislature and sent to the governor will cover the dates July
1, 2011 to June 30, 2013. This budget will eliminate the state’s
current $3.6 billion structural deficit. And, projections by the
non-partisan legislative fiscal bureau forecast Wisconsin’s
finances will in the black for the first time in decades.
Gone are past gimmicks of fund raids, tax and fee increases, and
plugging in one time federal stimulus money. Instead, the
legislature replicated the same tough decisions families
throughout Wisconsin make every day when balancing their own
budgets.
Although tough choices on spending cuts had to be made, our
state’s core values and traditions of protecting seniors,
veterans, education, and families were maintained. Following are
some aspects of the 2011-2013 biennium budget.
- Education remains a top priority. Forty-four cents of every
state tax dollar collected will be applied toward educating our
children. School districts are provided tools such as increased
employee contributions toward their own healthcare and pension
to offset appropriation cuts.
- For the next two years, the maximum allowable levy increase
for municipalities will be 0% plus new construction, meaning
property taxes will be essentially frozen.
- SeniorCare, the popular prescription drug assistance program
for Wisconsin’s low income seniors will be fully funded
providing those in need their life saving medication.
- Veterans’ tuition remission will be restored back to its
original intent. Moreover, online classes will be added to the
list of eligible courses, giving additional higher education
flexibility to our service men and women.
- The Veteran Trust Fund will receive $5 million of General
Purpose Revenue (GPR) ensuring programs our veterans and heroes
rely upon are fully funded.
- The Department of Administration’s oversight on higher
education will be decreased, giving universities more
flexibility in their building projects, more independence in
purchasing supplies, and more freedom on determining staff
salaries.
- Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services which provides
funding for Medical Assistance (aids blind and disabled),
BadgerCare Plus (aids pregnant women, children and families, and
impoverished adults), Family Care (aid in caring for elderly or
disabled family members), and SeniorCare, will receive an 11%
increase in funding.
- State appropriations for women’s health services will be
shifted from Planned Parenthood to local counties. If a county
does not have a program in place, it will be allowed to contract
with a third party provider, so long as the provider does not
perform abortions.
- A transfer of assets, liabilities, and personnel from the
State Treasurer and Secretary of State offices into other
departments will effectively begin the shutdown of these two
offices.
- Changes in the budget give investors a tax break on the rate
they would pay on their capital gains taxes if those gains are
re-invested into Wisconsin companies.
- A corporate income tax break for manufacturers will promote
manufacturing sector growth and continue Wisconsin’s national
ranking as a leader in family supporting jobs in the industry.
This budget puts Wisconsin’s fiscal house in order and stops
pushing off until tomorrow what can and must be done today.
Living within our state’s means, we are cutting up the credit
card and eliminating the burden of debt on future generations.
What do you think about this
issue? Click here and send an email
with your thoughts.
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