Contact:
Tom Evenson
(608) 266-2839

Madison – Governor Scott Walker’s 2017-19 Executive Budget proposal is winning praise from legislators, leaders, and advocacy groups across the state, and reaction to the Governor’s plan has been overwhelmingly positive. Here’s what they’re saying:

“Governor Walker has been saying for months that there would be a significant increase for public schools in his budget proposal and he delivered. This is great news for Wisconsin’s 422 public school districts and the students they serve.”

-John H. Ashley, Wisconsin Association of School Boards Executive Director

“Budgets are about choices and priorities. For public school administrators, our priority has always been the public school children we serve. For that reason, we are very pleased that Governor Walker, in his state budget plan, has placed a high priority on the educational needs of Wisconsin’s public school children.”

-John Forester, School Administrators Alliance Executive Director

“Knowing education is the economic driver in our state, I believe the increase in funding to education is the best long term investment we can make in the 2017-19 budget.”

-Senator Luther Olsen (R – Ripon)

“When it comes to passing transformational policy reforms, no state in the country can hold a candle to what Wisconsin has done, both in terms of the number and magnitude of reforms enacted since Gov. Scott Walker (R) was elected and Republicans took control of the legislature in 2010. With the unveiling of Gov. Walker’s new budget this week, it’s clear the great reformer state is not done.”

-Patrick Gleason, Americans for Tax Reform State Affairs Director and Forbes Contributor

“On behalf of WTCS, I’d like to thank the Governor for investing in technical college students. The Governor’s proposed biennial budget investment across education sectors will advance Wisconsin’s efforts to build strong, sustained career pathways for students.”

Morna Foy, Wisconsin Technical College System President

“I am very appreciative of the new investments Governor Walker is proposing for the UW System. The increased funding, including additional funding for the Wisconsin Rural Physician Residency Assistance Program and our internationally recognized Alzheimer’s research program, will allow us to continue the important work of providing students with a world-class education and engaging in research that helps grow the economy and improve citizen’s health and well-being.”

Rebecca Blank, University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor

“I am thrilled with this budget. It does two things I have always wanted: It lowers tuition and increases our resources.”

-Joe Gow, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Chancellor

“This proposal gives us a solid starting point as we begin the state budget process. Thanks to responsible budgeting in the past, our state budget is now in great shape. We’re happy to see strong investments in public education, common sense welfare reforms, and continued tax relief for Wisconsinites around the state.”

-Senator Alberta Darling (R – River Hills) and Representative John Nygren (R – Marinette), Joint Finance Committee Co-Chairs

“At the Wisconsin Department of Justice, we’re grateful for Governor Walker’s support of our public safety mission. It’s no coincidence the Governor enjoys the support of the law enforcement community throughout the State, and his proposed budget for DOJ is a continued sign of his commitment to public safety. I look forward to working with the Legislature moving toward passage and final adoption.”

Attorney General Brad Schimel

“Governor Walker’s budget proves that pro-growth policies work. Past tax cuts and pro-market reforms have created a reform dividend to invest in education and other state priorities. The legislature should take notice and advance the tax cuts and additional reforms included in the budget.”

-Eric Bott, Americans for Prosperity-Wisconsin State Director

“Governor Walker’s budget proposal is good for Wisconsin’s farm families and the $88 billion in economic activity that agriculture produces. This is the first step in the process before the Governor signs the budget bill into law but we’re pleased with his announcements.”

-Jim Holte, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President

“Every Wisconsinite deserves the opportunity to prosper. Whether it’s working in a family supporting career, starting a new business, reentering the workforce, or raising a family, this budget provides reforms to help people on their path to success.”

Senate President Roger Roth (R – Appleton)

“I am excited to hear many of Governor Walker’s 2017-19 biennial budget priorities. I share many of these priorities and I look forward to working on the budget as a member of the Joint Finance Committee.”

-Senator Tom Tiffany (R – Hazelhurst)

“Governor Walker’s 2017-19 budget continues to build on past reforms. Key provisions include: nearly $600 million in overall tax relief including eliminating the state portion of the property tax, investing more money in public education, and increased funding for local roads.”

­­­-Senator Devin LeMahieu (R – Oostburg)

“I further applaud Governor Walker on his commitment to the middle class through property tax relief, income tax cuts, and tuition cuts. The Governor’s income tax reduction moves Wisconsin further away from our previous reputation of a high tax state.”

-Senator Duey Stroebel (R – Saukville)

“Governor Walker’s 2017-19 State Budget reflects the improved economic environment in Wisconsin and lays the groundwork continuing our improvements. With the unemployment rate at a 15 year low, one of the nation’s highest percentages of people working, and $4.7 billion taxes cut over the past six years, the Governor’s 2017-19 Budget proposal supports working families in Wisconsin.”

-Senator Frank Lasee (R – De Pere)

“I am pleased to hear that that many of the initiatives outlined by the governor this afternoon align with the priorities of our caucus. Over the next several months, our members will be out talking with constituents and working to ensure that we ultimately pass the best budget possible for all of Wisconsin.”

-Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke (R – Kaukauna)

“Wisconsin has come a long way over the last six years under the leadership of Governor Walker and the Republican legislature. Our income taxes and property taxes are lower and education outputs have vastly improved. The Governor is putting resources into education in our state to make sure outputs like graduation rates and test scores continue to increase.”

-Representative Dale Kooyenga (R – Brookfield)

“Over the last six years, our reforms have reduced government red-tape, helped create jobs, improved the economy, and reduced the number of people on government assistance programs. I look forward to working with Governor Walker to continue reforming government, improving education, and developing our workforce. Together we will ensure Wisconsin remains a great place to live and work.”

Representative Dan Knodl (R – Germantown)

On Tuesday, Governor Walker highlighted the main priorities in his 2017-19 biennial state budget proposal. As a rural legislator, I am very pleased with Governor Walker’s determination to cutting taxes and meeting our state’s diverse economic needs by increasing funding for rural schools, worker training programs, and broadband expansion.”

Representative Keith Ripp (R – Lodi)

“I’m particularly pleased to see the needs of rural Wisconsin school districts addressed in this budget. Students deserve the best education and the best teachers regardless of where they live. Whether you’re raising children in Racine or Greenwood, this budget sets priorities to help deliver a top-notch education to all Wisconsin kids.”

-Representative Kathy Bernier (R – Lake Hallie)

“I’m very pleased that Governor Walker recognizes the merit of increased sparsity aid, transportation aid, and broadband investment for our rural schools and will include these in his budget proposal. These combined with his proposals on teacher retention, shared services, and fabrication laboratories (FAB LABS) are a win for rural Wisconsin schools.”

-Representative Ed Brooks (R – Reedsburg)

“I am very excited about a number of items Governor Walker chose to include in his budget, many of which will have a direct impact on the constituents of the 85th Assembly District. I particularly want to applaud the Governor’s major investments in K-12 public education.”

-Representative Patrick Snyder (R – Schofield)

“I am proud the Governor is prioritizing K-12 education in this budget. The additional $649 million in funding will help continue the proud tradition of strong schools in Wisconsin. This budget invests more into K-12 education than any other budget in Wisconsin history.”

-Representative Joel Kitchens (R – Sturgeon Bay)

“Two of my goals as a legislator are to foster job creation and promote fiscal responsibility. I believe the Governor’s Budget proposal fulfills both of these goals.”

-Representative Mike Kuglitsch (R – New Berlin)

“Governor Walker has prioritized K-12 education, which is as it should be. It is my hope that the fiscal analysis will support all of these increases. Innovative proposals for higher education are necessary and in the best interests of students and Wisconsin taxpayers.”

Representative Michael Schraa (R – Oshkosh)

Because of responsible fiscal management in the past our state is now better off. This proposal is an indication that Wisconsin is headed in the right direction. We can continue to cut taxes for hard-working Wisconsinites and invest in education, mental health, and workforce training.

-Representative Mike Rohrkaste (R – Neenah)

“There is no need for the State of Wisconsin to have a statewide property tax. The news of its demise is welcome. Significantly, this budget expands the culture of work and reinforces the family as a building block for success.”

-Representative Scott Allen (R – Waukesha)

“Today, Gov. Walker outlined a bold, bright proposal that positions Wisconsin for success. The governor’s recommendations are in-line with Assembly Republican’s commitments to K-12 education, college affordability, and mental health resources for schools in addition to investments on worker training programs.”

-Representative Jessie Rodriguez (R – Oak Creek)

“I will continue to fight for my rural schools and would like to thank Governor Walker for dedicating a portion of his budget to helping rural education, which in turn will lead to a stronger economy and more job growth in the Northwoods.”

-Representative Rob Swearingen (R – Rhinelander)

“Governor Walker has identified programs that will give greater opportunity for all Wisconsin kids to grow into strong, productive adults. We applaud Governor Walker for recognizing and incentivizing partnerships that help Children’s Hospital move closer to our goal of having Wisconsin kids be the healthiest in the nation.”

Peggy Troy, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin President and CEO

“Governor Walker has once again showed his commitment to Wisconsin families coping with dementia by helping the UW to continue with this important work. This is precisely the type of leadership we need to combat this disease.”

Rob Gundermann, Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin Public Policy Director

“The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network is pleased that the governor’s proposed budget maintains funding for important cancer prevention and early detection programs. Wisconsin’s Well Woman Program provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings to low-income, uninsured women across the state. The Tobacco Prevention and Control Program, which funds the Quit Line, has helped reduce youth tobacco use and provided cessation services to thousands of Wisconsinites. These services are critical to preventing cancer or catching it at an earlier, more treatable stage.”

Sara Sahli, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Wisconsin Government Relations Director

“We’re very pleased. This is the first time in 25 years there’s been anything in the state budget regarding homelessness and increased resources. This is a huge step forward.”

Joseph Volk, Wisconsin Coalition Against Homelessness Executive Director

“The Governor has shown a commitment for people with disabilities across the lifespan in his current budget proposal. DRW hopes to work closely with members of the legislature to support these investments in the lives of people with disabilities and their families.”

­-Daniel Idzikowski, Disability Rights Wisconsin Executive Director

“The Wisconsin Aging Advocacy Network (WAAN) celebrates Governor Walker’s announcement to include in his budget full funding of the Board on Aging and Long-Term Care Medigap Helpline and permanent funding and support for the provision of Include, Respect, I Self-Direct (IRIS) ombudsman services for people age 60 and older (a population for whom these services have not previously been made available).”

Bob Kellerman, Wisconsin Aging Advocacy Network

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