Rep. Jessie Rodriguez, (608) 266-0610
The State of Wisconsin is Strong
MADISON – State Representative Jessie Rodriguez (R-Oak Creek) issued the following response to the State of the State Address delivered by Governor Tony Evers before a joint session of the Wisconsin State Legislature on Wednesday:
“The state of our state is strong thanks to years of Republican leadership. We passed a smart budget in June that resulted in historic investments in our roads and schools, and doubled funding for school mental health programs. These are the budget priorities that my constituents asked for, and I’m proud we were able to deliver on them.
Our responsible budget also provided a tax cut of more than $400 million, and like the Governor pointed out I authored Assembly Bill 251 which provides additional tax relief for middle class families. We also eliminated the Miller Park Tax, resulting in a reduction in the sales tax for Milwaukee County and surrounding areas. Unlike the Governor originally suggested, we were able to provide these tax cuts without eliminating the manufacturing and agriculture tax credit. These reforms will reduce the tax burden on Wisconsinites and allow them to keep more money in their pockets.
All these reforms were possible while building our rainy day fund to $649 million, its largest total in state history. Our economy is strong, and we are going to continue to make sure we put more money into our rainy day fund in case of an economic downturn.
Unfortunately, despite Governor Evers making a promise to the people of Wisconsin to embrace divided government and work in a bipartisan way, he has failed to work alongside the legislature. While 95% of the votes in the Assembly have been bipartisan, the Governor has been bypassing the legislature and issuing a record number of executive orders for a Wisconsin governor in his first year.
I’m hopeful that in the remaining months of session we can move forward on issues that represent the needs of the people of Wisconsin.”
