Madison – Today, the Wisconsin Assembly voted on 55 bills, nine of which allocate federal American Plan Rescue Act (ARPA) moneys. Representative Dave Considine (D-Baraboo) released the following statement on the passage of these bills:
“This morning, the Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) released a projection that the state will have a surplus of almost $3.8 billion at the end of the 2021-22 state budget. However, my colleagues across the aisle continue to push the use of one-time ARPA funding. By using ARPA funds for law enforcement reform, we would be putting our federal funding at risk, as these funds are intended for COVID-19 response and recovery. Additionally, this would take funding away from needed programs. Governor Evers continues to listen to the people of Wisconsin and use ARPA funds where they are needed most – for farmers, small businesses, broadband expansion, schools, and more.
“Our state needs sustainable, long-term criminal justice reform. I am frustrated by my colleagues focus on short term policies, not real solutions to crime in our communities. This week, I co-sponsored the Smart Criminal Justice Package put forth by my Democratic colleagues which makes long term investments in our communities. This package includes LRB-5749 which increases county and municipal aid. An increase in shared revenue means funding for essential services like emergency medical care, libraries, and more. When these services are fully funded, our communities and our state are safer and better off.”
