MADISON, Wis. — Rep. Neubauer released the following statement regarding today’s floor session:
“I would like to recognize the importance of the bipartisan conversations that have been occurring for the last few months in the Capitol. We have divided government, and in order to get things done, we need to talk to each other.
“For some communities, the increase in shared revenue delivered in AB 245 is a lifeline. For others, like the city of Racine, it’s just not enough. If shared revenue had kept pace with inflation, Racine would receive nearly $21 million annually on top of their current allocation of about $25 million, an 84% increase. This bill will provide an additional $5 million annually. In the next few years, our city will be face to face with a fiscal cliff which, if nothing is done, will require further cuts that we simply cannot make and will have real negative impacts on people’s lives.
“While this bill starts us down the right path, it does not do enough for every community. And, it has completely irrelevant and harmful provisions specifically targeting the city of Milwaukee that override local control and restrict the city’s ability to provide necessary services to communities of color and the LGBTQ+ community.
“Assembly Democrats will continue to fight for better. We know that our Republican colleagues are going to continue their efforts to undermine diversity, equity and inclusion, and we will do everything we can to prevent them from succeeding.
“When it comes to AB 305, I wish we would stop playing politics with our kids. I wish we could fund our public schools adequately, as the people of Wisconsin have asked for again and again, without needing to put more public dollars into unaccountable private schools that have limited public oversight and don’t have to serve every child, whether they have a disability or an LGBTQ+ identity. I just hope that someday, adequately funding public education isn’t partisan in this building.
“Our work doesn’t stop here. We know the people of Wisconsin need us to keep working to provide great schools and essential local funding — this is what will make our communities strong and vibrant. Our caucus remains committed to working every day until Wisconsinites get what they deserve.”
