Joint Committee on Finance Sends Legislature a Great Budget

Madison, WI – The Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance wrapped up work today on the 2019-2021 state budget, sending it now to the full Assembly and Senate for action. This document builds off of the surpluses created by past responsible budgeting, to deliver on items Republicans and Democrats alike have voiced support for. It cuts taxes, fixes roads, improves healthcare, and supports our public education system.

“There is so much to like about this budget,” said Representative Mike Rohrkaste (R-Neenah). “We cut taxes by over $500 million, accomplishing the goal shared by the Governor and the Legislature to provide the middle class with tax relief. We ensured that our elderly and disabled will have compassionate, qualified caregivers by dramatically increasing their wages. We gave roughly $500 million to our schools, increasing special education funding by 22%, which mirrors our Governor’s funding request he made as state Superintendent. And, all while staying at the lowest level of bonding in nearly two decades, we gave a shot in the arm to our transportation fund, allowing for maintenance and construction of state and local roads alike.”

“We could spend weeks talking about votes like our increases to the Technical College System and Workforce Development programs, our reforms to the criminal justice system, new funding for our farmers, ambitious building programs, environmental fund increases, the list goes on and on,” continued Rohrkaste. “I’m looking forward to the Governor signing this budget into law so he can join legislators like me in our districts, spreading the news on the type of budget we can all get behind.” 

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