MADISON – Today, Rep. Jessie Rodriguez (R-Oak Creek) voted in favor of 2023 Senate Bill 70 – Wisconsin’s 2023-25 budget bill. She issued the following statement:
“Today I voted for a budget that is made for Wisconsin. My colleagues on the finance committee and I traveled our state to hear from the people of Wisconsin, and I also held Budget Town Halls in my home district. We listened to ensure our budget reflects the priorities of Wisconsinites, and I’m confident our budget does exactly that.
“As we traveled the state, one request we heard often was for more money for K-12 education – and we delivered. Our budget increases education spending by $1 billion. It includes a per pupil increase of $975 over the biennium, with two-thirds being funded by the state. We’re also raising the low revenue ceiling from $10,000 to $11,000. This will help over 200low-spending districts catch up to the statewide average of spending per pupil, one of which is in my own Assembly District.
“When I sent out my Budget Survey this spring, I was surprised to learn from my constituents that their top priority is fixing our roads and bridges. I’m happy to be able to tell them that our budget invests morein transportation infrastructure than Governor Evers, while bonding less. Some of the highlights for my region include $285 million for local road aids and over $190 million for Southeast Wisconsin Freeway Megaprojects.
“A couple of weeks ago, we passed the shared revenue bill. That bill is now 2023 Act 12. My communities are thrilled about the provisions in Act 12, and this budget bill fulfills our promises and obligations under the Act, ensuring funding increases for alllocal units of government.
“Lastly, we are making the largesttax cut in state history. When I talk to my neighbors, the most common thing they bring up is inflation of essential goods that we allbuy, like gas and groceries. Our income tax plan cuts taxes for allincome levels, leaving more money in the pockets of Wisconsinites. We’re also providing over $600 million in property tax relief to hold the line on property taxes. The state’s surplus is the taxpayers’ money, and we’re sending $4.4 billion of it back to them.
“This budget was easy for me to vote for today, and I encourage the governor to sign it into law.”
