MADISON – Today, the Assembly voted on Assembly Bill 245. This legislation addresses changes to the state’s shared revenue program, the mechanism through which local governments receive necessary funding. The comprehensive bill was introduced on May 3rd and was rushed through the committee process in a matter of weeks. Representative Joers released the following statement:
“There is clear, bipartisan agreement that an update to our shared revenue program is needed, but fast-tracking such consequential legislation without allowing time to address the many issues that exist within it is irresponsible and reckless. Furthermore, the many strings attached create not just unnecessary, but dangerous restrictions on our local governments. Our local communities deserve a proper solution that invests equitably without forcing them to give up their own control in the process.
“This cannot be the end of the road for the shared revenue discussion. I remain committed to working towards a bipartisan solution. Unfortunately, after the Republicans spent hours behind closed doors, they came up with a long GOP policy wish list rather than a clean bill to provide more aid to our local communities. In the coming days, my Democratic colleagues and I will keep advocating for the people and the local units of government that serve them.”
