MADISON – Today, Governor Tony Evers delivered his 2023-25 biennial budget address, highlighting his funding priorities for Wisconsin. Rep. Palmeri released the following statement:
“Tonight, I heard Governor Evers’ plan for the 2023-25 biennial budget. The hard work of the Evers’ administration over the years has landed Wisconsin in the strongest financial position in our states history, with a record breaking $7.1 billion surplus,” stated Rep. Palmeri.
“Governor Evers has shown throughout his tenure that he listens to the people of Wisconsin, and tonight was no different. With investments in general and categorical aids for public schools, plans to bolster sustainable industries like clean energy and forestry and sending 20% of the state’s sales tax revenue back to local communities for shared revenue; it is safe to say Governor Evers’ plan for Wisconsin will make our state a better place to live and work.
“Education is one of the most valuable tools we can give our children. By properly funding our public schools, we are making an investment in the children of Wisconsin, who will go on to become the leaders of this state. That is why Governor Evers is proposing a $2.6 billion investment in public schools and a historic investment in special education. This funding will go toward improving reading and literacy outcomes, expanding access to student mental health services and school nutrition, providing financial literacy and out-of-school programming, addressing educator staffing shortages to help keep class sizes small, and increasing per pupil and special education aids.
“Governor Evers also announced programs to continue bolstering the economy like the Affordable Workforce Housing program that will invest $150 million into local communities to maintain and develop workforce housing across our state. He also announced a $22 million investment in the Child Care Counts initiative to ensure that working families have access to affordable childcare and paid family and medical leave for 12 weeks. Housing, childcare, and paid family and medical leave are vital to ensuring that Wisconsin both attracts and retains a healthy workforce.
“Lastly, as someone with extensive history and experience working in local government, I can attest to the fact that local communities have been struggling for years to properly fund essential services. The governor’s proposal to send 20% of Wisconsin’s sales tax back to local communities through shared revenue, will mean communities no longer need to forego essential services to make ends meet. Governor Evers’ also announced the continuation of the Neighborhood Investment Fund which provides grants to local and tribal governments to make significant investments and urban land acquisitions, something I advocated for in my budget requests.
“The plans proposed in Governor Evers’ biennial budget address tonight, make it clear that he is prioritizing what matters to Wisconsinites. These investments are aimed at making the lives of all Wisconsinites a bit easier and moving our state forward.”
