Transcript

Hi, folks. This is your State Senator Jeff Smith, checking in for the Chippewa Valley. 

Over the last few weeks, hundreds of Wisconsinites participated in the Joint Finance Committee’s four public hearings. People paused their lives and waited hours to share their thoughts on Gov. Ever’s Budget Bill in a two-minute testimony. 

What many of the people may not have known was that Republicans said they were planning to throw out Governor Evers’ budget proposal before the ink was even dry back in February. Republicans made it clear they were not interested in collaborating or negotiating with the Governor. Worst of all, they disingenuously scheduled public hearings on a bill they were planning to throw out. 

If Republicans were serious about listening to the public, they would’ve offered their alternative and then scheduled hearings to listen to the people. How can Republicans sit with straight faces in these crowded rooms claiming to listen to the public when they know their first vote on the budget will be to throw it away? 

It’s political theatre and your advocacy should matter more to them. For everyone who attended the public hearings – thank you! Your advocacy is critical, especially at public hearings. Senator Marklein and Representative Born are the Chairs of the Joint Finance Committee – encourage them to schedule public hearings on their version of the budget. 

Most of all though, don’t stop sharing your voice with committee members. After they throw out the Governor’s budget, the Committee will start voting on portions of their alternative budget without public hearings. Now is the time to escalate your involvement in the process. Pay attention – write letters, send emails and call their offices. 

This is Senator Jeff Smith signing off.