Contact: Kate Constalie, kate.constalie@legis.wi.gov 608-266-5490
Republicans jeopardize investments in Wisconsin’s future
MADISON – Republican lawmakers on the bi-partisan State Building Commission voted against Governor Evers’ state building program that will have a direct impact on the ability to move forward with shovel-ready infrastructure projects. Their opposition means no building projects will be recommended by the commission for the 2019-2021 state budget.
“The state building program has historically been an area of bi-partisan consensus,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). “I’m disappointed by the Republicans’ decision to reject these projects and jeopardize thousands of good-paying jobs across the state. After years of neglected maintenance we need to support infrastructure investments that play an important role in economic success. Republicans are playing political football with funding for a cancer research facility, mental health facilities and veterans nursing homes. When push comes to shove, Republican leaders are proving they’d rather opt for partisan games than investing in the future of our state.”
The Building Commission consists of 8 members; Governor Tony Evers, Sen. Janis Ringhand (D-Evansville), Sen. Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point), Sen. Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon), Rep. Jill Billings (D-La Crosse), Rep. Rob Swearingen (R-Rhinelander), Rep. Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam), and Citizen Member Summer Strand.
