Contact: Rep. Joan Ballweg (888) 534-0041
Madison…State Representative Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) released a statement following the Assembly passing the 2019-2021 state budget:
“This budget funds our state’s priorities by providing the largest investment in K-12 funding in actual dollars, repairing our roads and bridges, continuing the UW tuition freeze and supporting our rural hospitals, nursing homes, personal care workers and direct care givers. These dollars will directly benefit area schools and businesses without increasing the burden on our hardworking taxpayers.
“I am proud to call this budget the WISCONSIN budget. I heard from my constituents about wanting to see a focus on education in this budget. We will return the state to two-thirds funding of our schools, increase special education funding by $96 million and fully fund high-cost transportation aid which helps rural school districts like the ones in the 41st.
“Additionally, the WISCONSIN budget increases funding for Career and Technical Education Grants which gives K-12 students a unique opportunity to receive hands-on experience in fields that often have workforce shortages and learn employability skills that will be valuable throughout their careers. This is a popular program, and I am happy to see it expanded in this budget.
“We maintain the largest rainy day fund in state history and this budget nearly doubles that fund. With an end balance of $617 million, our state will be ready in the event of an economic downturn.
“This balanced budget also cuts income tax by more than $500 million while maintaining the reforms that have been proven in our state and continues to make Wisconsin a desirable place to live and work.
“The WISCONSIN budget bill will now head to the state senate for consideration before going to Governor Evers to be signed into law.”
