February 20th, 2025

Transcript

Hi, folks. This is your State Senator Jeff Smith, checking in for the Chippewa Valley. On Tuesday, Governor Tony Evers delivered his Budget Address to the Legislature.

His budget shows he always puts kids first. Plain and simple.

For starters, the Governor’s impressive eight hundred and fifty six million dollar investment in the Universities of Wisconsin has been desperately needed. A strong investment in the Wisconsin Idea now is how our state can once again become a leader for progress in our nation. 

The backbone of this budget is a 3.1 billion dollar increase for our public schools. We have a constitutional obligation to meet the needs of children. 

But thanks to years of cuts and inaction from Republicans, taxpayers have to choose between raising property taxes or letting their schools fail. That’s not what’s best for kids and it’s not what’s best for our state. 

Governor Evers’ budget plan safeguards Wisconsin families from the unknown consequences from the President’s misguided tariff tax war at the moment. 

The budget process is long, and this is the first of many talks I'll do this spring to keep you informed. Please keep in touch and make sure your voice is heard.

This is Senator Smith signing off for the Chippewa Valley.