Contact: Rep. Joan Ballweg (888) 534-0041
Vetoing Critical Investments for Outstate Wisconsin
Madison…State Representative Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) released the following statement about the 2019-2021 biennial budget signed into law by Governor Evers:
“The legislature worked hard to craft a fiscally responsible budget that invests in the priorities of Wisconsinites from all over the state. Republicans traveled throughout Wisconsin, holding over 200 listening sessions and receiving over 40,000 budget survey responses. I was glad to see that Governor Evers agreed with much of what the Republican legislature approved.
“The WISCONSIN Budget still includes the largest amount of K-12 funding in actual dollars, increases caregiver wages and nursing home payments and includes more than $500 million in income tax cuts, mostly focused on the middle class.
“However, the budget signed into law by Governor Evers lacked much of the focus the legislature put on outstate Wisconsin and instead prioritized the big cities of Milwaukee and Madison. Through his veto process, Governor Evers reduced funding for local roads approved by the Republican legislature and again focused spending in Milwaukee and Madison.
“Additionally, at a time of record unemployment, Governor Evers removed funding for substance abuse treatment programs for those found to be using drugs illegally and education and employment training for able-bodied adults. When many local employers are struggling to find workers who are clean and ready to be on the job, it is common sense to help those workers train to serve.
“With all of those things considered, this is still primarily the document my Republican colleagues and I voted for and no longer includes the large tax increases the Governor had originally proposed. Wisconsinites should feel confident that this is a good budget that invests in their priorities.”
