CONTACT: Rep. Patrick Snyder (608) 266-0655
MADISON… Representative Patrick Snyder (Schofield) released the following statement regarding the Wisconsin State Assembly’s passage of the 2017-2019 state budget:
“Today, I was proud to vote for a budget that invests in the people of Wisconsin,” said Snyder. “I am confident that this two-year spending plan will have a strong impact on the families across our state.”
One of the key highlights of this biennial budget was the largest investment to K-12 schools in state history.
“Most importantly, this budget invests in our children,” said Snyder. “With a $639 million investment in K-12 education, we will see positive changes for both our Wisconsin schools and our students.”
Additionally, there are a number of provisions in this year’s spending plan that address the specific needs of Marathon County. The budget includes an increase of $500,000 in drug court funding, a program that is proven to help those suffering from addiction and be more cost effective than incarceration.
“I was happy to advocate for the additional funding to the state’s drug court program,” said Snyder. “Marathon County is in dire need of a solution to address the heroin and opioid epidemic. More dollars into this program means a more likely chance our county will be successful in implementing our own drug court.”
The budget also includes a grant to Marathon County Development Corporation (MCDEVCO) to establish a revolving loan fund for minority owned business startups.
“Our area is home to a number of successful minority-owned businesses,” said Snyder. “This funding will continue our commitment to invest in the people and the businesses of our community.”
The budget bill now heads to the state Senate for their consideration. Following passage in the Senate, the bill will go before the Governor to be signed into law.