MADISON – Representative Alex Joers’ statement on final budget passage:
“When this state budget process began, Legislative Republicans were intent on passing their own state budget that included massive cuts to services Wisconsinites rely on. The public shared several earnest asks, but a few rose to the top:
- Properly funding our schools so property taxes do not increase,
- A state investment in child care so young parents could get by and kids could thrive, and
- Support for our universities so campuses do not close and more students come to Wisconsin and stay in Wisconsin.
“Instead of doing any of that, Legislative Republicans initial plan included:
- Next to nothing for public schools,
- Complete omission of any solution to the child care crisis, and
- Millions of dollars in cuts to our university campuses.
“For the farthest right members of their caucus, that still wasn’t enough in cuts. So, at the 11th hour, Senate Republicans finally admitted they would need Democratic input. Democrats entered negotiations and achieved results: we were able to bring the special education reimbursement closer to the necessary rate, provide a bridge for child care providers, and restore some funding for our universities.
“I appreciate Senator Hesselbein’s efforts to course correct this budget. I know she went into negotiations working for what the people of Wisconsin actually want. When we bring more people to the table and have more balance in our government, we don’t have to cater to the extremes.
“Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to vote solely on this promising deal that was struck. I only get one vote, on the full budget: up or down. In its entirety, this budget left me with major concerns for Wisconsinites that I just could not look past.
“The lack of additional general aid for our public schools will continue to hurt our Wisconsin residents in the future. Because of Republican Legislators’ absolute refusal to provide even an inflationary increase in this vital area, property taxes will continue to go up in order to make up the difference.
“The increase in primary special education reimbursement was hard fought for, but without it being sum-sufficient and falling far short of what school districts have requested, costs will not be covered. That is pure fiscal irresponsibility on the part of Republican legislators and they know it.
“Similarly, Speaker Robin Vos is determined to do everything in his power to dismantle and destroy our universities. There were far too many restrictions to our UW students, faculty and staff hanging in the balance of Speaker Vos’ whim for me to reconcile.
“Finally, this budget included nothing for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund that my constituents have been asking for. I cannot support a bill that does not deliver on that crucial program.
“All in all, my final vote was ‘no.’ This budget could have been far worse had the Senate Democrats not been involved, but it was far from earning the one vote my constituents have entrusted me with.”
