March 17, 2008

Taylor Brings State Budget Fix to Milwaukee

Senate Finance committee to meet at UWM, hearing from the public on budget repair measures

Madison—At the invitation of Senator Lena C. Taylor and with the agreement of Committee Chair Senator Mark Miller, the Senate Finance Committee will be holding a hearing on Wednesday, March 19, to take public input on how to plug the state’s $416 million budget hole.

“This hearing will give the public a chance to tell the committee how proposed budget cuts would affect them,” said Senator Taylor.  “The Assembly irresponsibly avoided their duty to fix the problem with their own budget bill passed last week by trying to penalize state employees, schools, and the UW System.  And the Assembly Finance Committee has refused to meet as a joint committee with us to hear how their plans would affect real people.”

The budget proposed by the Republican-controlled state Assembly to make up for the shortfall would push $125 million in school aid payments into July 2009, virtually empty the state’s rainy-day fund, and make drastic unspecified cuts to state government programs and employees. 

What:  Public Hearing on State Budget Fix

When:  Wednesday, March 19, 2008

10:00 a.m.

Where:  Union Theatre in Student Union, 2nd floor

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

2200 E. Kenwood Blvd.

“We need to pass a thoughtful budget that protects residents’ access to justice and education,  as well as child care, families, and seniors,” said Senator Taylor.  We invite the citizens of Milwaukee to tell us what they want in a state budget.  For more information, call Senator Taylor’s office at 608-266-5810.