Contact: Kate Constalie, kate.constalie@legis.wi.gov, 608-266-5490
MADISON, WI – After a year dominated with Republican infighting, a 3 month overdue state budget, and last minute scrambling to boost lagging poll numbers, Senate Republicans are poised to adjourn the 2017-18 legislative session. Given the lack of focus and leadership from Gov. Walker, many priorities for Wisconsin families were left unaddressed. In response, Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) released the following statement:
“This session has been dominated by Republican campaign gimmicks to boost Governor Walker’s image and support his re-election bid. Wisconsin families are wide awake as local schools, roads and communities have taken a backseat to Republican lawmakers who prioritized the largest state taxpayer giveaway to a foreign corporation in U.S. history. Rather than tackle the tough issues to move our state forward, Republicans are throwing in the towel.”
“Families know they can trust Democratic leaders to fight for commonsense solutions that raise family wages, expand access to health care, protect clean drinking water and invest in sustainable community growth.
“Democrats have listened to the families that are burdened with student loan debt, sky-rocketing childcare costs, and pricey auto repairs from crumbling roads. By focusing on policies that promote fairness, expand opportunities and invest in communities, Democrats will continue fighting to make Wisconsin a place where the next generation wants to live, work and raise a family.”
Senate Republicans limited floor debate to 16 days during a 15-month legislative session and prevented the following issues from being addressed:
· Child care affordability
· Family Medical Leave Act and paid sick leave
· Student loan debt relief
· Fair funding of local schools
· Long-term transportation funding solution
· Private retirement security options
· BadgerCare expansion
· Close corporate “Dark Store” tax loopholes
· Clean water protections
· Combatting prescription drug price gouging