Contact: Representative Debra Kolste, (608) 266-7503
MADISON – Governor Evers held listening sessions across the state to hear directly from the people of Wisconsin about their priorities in his budget. Those listening sessions informed the budget Gov. Evers released tonight, The People’s Budget. Wisconsinites want safe roads, quality education, and affordable healthcare, and the Governor has delivered on these promises.
Wisconsin’s roads rank among the worst in the nation, and more than 25 counties and local governments raised their wheel taxes in recent years in efforts to provide funding. Gov. Evers’ budget seeks a sustainable, long-term solution for our transportation funding crisis. As ranking member of the Assembly Committee on Transportation, I look forward to advocating for this transportation proposal.
After years of our public schools being drastically under-funded, Gov. Evers will increase special education funding by $600 million, as well as investing over $150 million towards higher education in the University of Wisconsin System. The days of Wisconsinites raising their own property taxes to support their local schools are over. I believe investing in our students is an investment in the state’s future and I am glad the Governor agrees.
The budget also includes Medicaid expansion, which will allow more Wisconsinites access to quality, affordable healthcare. Additionally, a $28 million investment in health services for women and infants will increase access to reproductive healthcare as part of Gov. Evers’ “Healthy Women, Healthy Babies” initiatives.
I hope Republicans and Democrats can come together to support the priorities Gov. Evers has addressed in The People’s Budget.
