February 10, 2017

We're Off and Running!
 

This week Governor Walker delivered his 2017-19 budget address. It starts the ball rolling on the most important task we partake in in each session; how to spend your tax dollars to make government work for you.
The governor’s address outlined what he called the “reform dividend.” The last several budgets we made some very difficult decisions and reforms were put in place. Now the state’s economy is growing and we can invest in our priorities. Governor Walker outlined them as student success, accountable government and rewarding work.
The budget he proposed includes $650 million for K-12 education. This is in stark contrast to the last two budgets I have worked on as your legislator. Four years ago, the Governor proposed no new money for our public schools. Two years ago his budget proposal included a cut. Each time, I fought for (and succeeded in) increasing funding for our schools! Education has always been, and will continue to be one of my top priorities.

The governor indicated he will be asking the Trump administration for the authority to drug test people on government assistance. In his words, the state program should be a "trampoline not a hammock." His welfare reform proposal would provide help to get people off of drugs and into the workforce.
 

Among other items the governor has included in his proposal:
· $592 in tax and fee cuts
· A tuition cut for in state University of Wisconsin system students
· More money for TAD courts, where treatment options serve as alternatives to prison for criminals with substance abuse problems
· Shifting government employees to self-insured plans
· Spending millions more for veterans affairs, including improvements at King veterans home
· A “sales tax holiday” where for a brief period of time there would be no sales tax on back to school items, computers and clothing.

Transportation will be a hot button issue this budget cycle. The Governor reiterated his stance that we should not raise the gas tax or vehicle registration fee. Assembly leaders are adamant that a solution will be found to add more revenue into the transportation fund. Regardless of how this shakes out, I'm pleased all involved say a priority will be to provide more money to fix and maintain our local roads.

Here’s what happens next: the governor’s $76 billion dollar spending plan gets analyzed in depth by the nonpartisan legislative fiscal bureau. From there, the joint finance committee will begin briefing with the agencies and then hold hearings throughout the state. During that time, individual legislators will be taking input from you and making suggestions to finance committee members on changes. Basically, the legislature breaks apart the Governor’s spending plan apart and begins putting it back together piece by piece.

I have initial concerns that there is too much spending in this budget, but as I stated, it's just the start of the process. Your input is invaluable to me and I would love to hear from you. Click here to be re-directed to the Governor’s budget address page, where you can read the speech, see pictures and follow the budget process.

 

Thanks for Stopping by! 

This week Columbus Police Chief Dan Meister was in the Capitol – thanks for stopping in!
 

A Watertown Instutition

Yesterday I was notified that Bill Conner had passed away. The Veterans statute at Marine Corps Aero Park in Watertown is named after him. He was a staple of the Watertown community and brought light to all who knew him. Two years ago I was honored to present Bill with a citation from the Legislature. He was an amazing man, and he will be missed.

For more frequent updates, please "like" my official Facebook page by clicking the icon below.

Thank you for reading my E-Update!



If you wish to unsubscribe from this newsletter, reply with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line