Madison – A freshman lawmaker voted in support of two historic investments in Wisconsin today. Representative Nik Rettinger (R-Mukwonago) voted yes on the Shared Revenue Modernization bill and the School Choice Program Improvements bill. Following passage of these two unprecedented compromises, Rep. Rettinger said:
“The work done negotiating these long-awaited improvements to the state’s Shared Revenue program will ensure additional resources to communities across the state to support critical police, fire, and other first responder services we count on every day. In providing a pathway for the City & County of Milwaukee to deal with its pending bankruptcy and fiscal mismanagement, we’ve gained many common sense reforms such as ensuring proper level of police funding in Milwaukee, ending taxpayer support for the street car boondoggle, and curbing the power of local health officials across the state to shutdown businesses.”
The Shared Revenue Improvement Bill is the product of extensive negotiations between legislative Republicans, the Evers Administration, and the stakeholders of Milwaukee including Mayor Cavalier Johnson and County Executive David Crowley. Part of that was the inclusion of Senate Bill 330 which increases the per pupil aid for all of Wisconsin’s Parental Choice Programs. Wisconsin has been a leader on School Choice and Rep Rettinger was proud to champion the program by casting this historic vote.
“Most important to me was the huge expansion of school choice. Wisconsin’s School Choice Program was ahead of its time when created in 1990 and it continues to be beacon for families across the state. Far too often, failing schools are propped up by individuals who did not attend them or would not send their own children to them. Ensuring quality education options is one of the major policy objectives that brought me to Madison, and I am proud to say that we have a notable victory here. Whether it’s through home schooling, public, private, or charter schools, we can ensure children in Wisconsin have access to a quality education that best fits their learning needs. When students can read, write, and adequately learn, we set them up for incredible success in life.”
The Next-Generation Housing package also taken up by the Assembly includes a host of provisions designed to aid in the sky-rocketing cost of housing current plaguing Wisconsin.
“As someone who purchased a home not too long ago, I remember the notable lack of houses within our budget. While we were thankfully able to find our current home in Mukwonago, I am concerned that with the further increases in costs seen in the last few years that others will not have similar opportunities to call the communities in the 83rd District home. As Wisconsin continues to compete with other states in our region, we must ensure that the Legislature is taking the lead on removing regulatory barriers and obstructions in our real estate market. The Next-Generation Housing Package is a great next step forward in attracting folks here to fill our workforce needs.”
