Note from Rep. Macco:

Budget Talks are Heating up

There have been a lot of discussions on the 2015-17 budget recently. Folks have many concerns including funding for the new Milwaukee Arena, bicycle path funding, IRIS, FamilyCare, the University of Wisconsin System, K-12 reforms and many more. I appreciate your contacts on these issues, and I assure you we are working to craft a budget that makes Wisconsin better.

You're probably hearing a lot of negatives about the budget, but realize that this is a dynamic process and it is simply easier to discuss the negatives rather than the positives. Remember that this budget includes a $600 million investment in Medicaid, $246,000 investment  in the Green Bay Boys and Girls Club, $150 increase in per pupil spending for k-12 education and increased funding for HIV/AIDS victims.

We have also taken this opportunity to reform state government by making changes to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, having individuals that lose their Foodshare cards pay a small replacement fee and requiring completion of drug treatment course for drug users in our state's welfare programs.

I understand this budget is personal to every Wisconsinite, and every Wisconsinite views the budget a little differently.  I want to thank you once again for sharing those thoughts with me. I have fought to have your voices in Madison, and I believe that this budget will be beneficial to the constituents of the 88th Assembly District.

That is why I'm supporting this budget, and I hope that you do too.