Contact: Rep. John Nygren (888) 534-0089
Madison– State Representative John Nygren (R-Marinette), Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Finance released the following statement in reaction to Governor Walker’s veto of budget provisions relating to low-revenue school districts and legislative oversight and the Joint Finance passive review of transportation fund bonding in the Foxconn bill (Act 58):
“I am severely disappointed in Governor Walker’s decision to reject an opportunity to correct a long-term inequity in our K12 funding system. As a result, over 200 school districts across the state will lose over $90 million in funding over the next 6 years. The veto will continue this funding imbalance and have lasting impacts on the quality of education available to some of our children. Assembly Republicans will continue to lead, advocating to bring parity to school districts across the state, so that we can provide educational excellence for every student, regardless of where they live.
“As a result of this veto, low revenue school districts will continue to be required to meet their constitutional educational obligations with less resources than neighboring districts; a funding inequity that has existed for over 20 years. This means districts like the Cameron School District will continue to have millions of dollars less in annual funding than neighboring school districts, like Chetek-Weyerhaeuser, while being required to provide an equitable education.
“Also disappointing is the Governor’s decision to veto legislative oversight at every opportunity in the state budget. This is also true of the veto of JFC review of transportation bonding in the Foxconn bill. Many of my assembly colleagues and I viewed the receipt of federal funds and the approval of JFC as integral parts of the decision to provide for general fund supported transportation bonding. By depriving the Joint Committee on Finance of a passive review, we are continuing to deny the Wisconsin taxpayer a responsible and accountable transportation fund. This budget has taken many steps forward to realign our transportation priorities, unfortunately this is a step backwards.
“I completely respect the Governor’s constitutional power to issue vetoes. That has, and always will be an important part of the legislative process. However, in these instances I disagree with his decisions.”
