CONTACT: Rep. Jim Steineke (608) 266-2418

MADISON – Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke (R-Kaukauna) proudly voted for the Republican-backed WISCONSIN Budget during an Assembly floor session this evening. The 2019-2021 budget reinforces conservative reforms while funding the priorities of the 5th Assembly District and entire state. The new two-year spending plan funds healthcare needs without expanding welfare, makes the largest total investment in K-12 education in actual dollars, and makes the largest increase in new revenues in a generation to repair local roads and bridges – all while providing $500 million in tax cuts.

“After holding more than 200 budget listening sessions and receiving over 40,000 budget survey responses, I can confidently say that our WISCONSIN Budget reflects the priorities we heard in every corner of the state,” said Rep. Steineke. “Here at home, you told me your top priorities were a middle class tax cut, fixing our roads, and supporting K-12 education – all things that I’m proud to say are accomplished in our budget.”

With the WISCONSIN Budget, the Fox Valley will see investments that will benefit every community. Included in the budget are a number of critical transportation projects for northeast Wisconsin, including funding for the I-41 expansion, Highway 15 bypass, and Kaukauna Veterans Memorial lift bridge. Additionally, each school district will see an additional $604 per student directed into classrooms over the biennium.

While the WISCONSIN Budget funds many of the priorities outlined in Governor Evers’ “People’s Budget,” it does so without increasing government spending by $6 billion and raising taxes and fees by more than $1 billion, as the governor’s budget proposed. Instead of employing a tax-and-spend model, the two-year spending plan provides a balanced budget that nearly doubles the state’s rainy day fund.

“Our economy is strong, our unemployment is low, and our communities are thriving thanks to responsible budgeting over the last eight years. As a Republican, I refuse to let our progress backslide,” continued Rep. Steineke. “The WISCONSIN Budget will keep our state moving forward by ensuring our government is spending sustainably and being good stewards of taxpayer dollars.”

The Assembly passed the budget bill, Assembly Bill 56, on a 60-39 vote, with no Democrats voting for the bill. The bill now heads to the state Senate for approval before heading to the governor’s desk.

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