GREENFIELD, WI – State Representative Karen Kirsch (D-7th Assembly District) issues the following statement after voting no on Act 50 – the 2025-2027 Wisconsin State Budget.
“I want to thank Governor Evers and my Democratic colleagues in the Senate for their hard work in pushing for a better Wisconsin budget despite Republican resistance. Their efforts have brought improvements, but this budget still falls short of what the people of Wisconsin, especially those in the 7th Assembly District, need to thrive.
“As your representative, I remain committed to advocating for a fair budget that gives every community the tools to meet today’s challenges and every person the opportunity to reach their full potential.
“At this time, I cannot in good conscience support the proposed budget for the following reasons:
“Public Education Still Underfunded – Our public schools remain inadequately funded, perpetuating the cycle of local referendums just to meet basic needs. This is, in effect, a hidden tax increase on our communities, forcing local voters to shoulder costs the state should be covering. The budget fails to increase general aid and only raises special education reimbursement to 42% in the first year and 45% in the second. My communities needed 60% to 90% to properly serve students with special needs.
“Unfair Shared Revenue Formula -The cities in my district are being left behind due to an outdated and unfair shared revenue formula that heavily favors areas with new development. Many of our communities are landlocked and have no room to grow, yet they are penalized and undercompensated as a result.
“Healthcare Needs Ignored -This budget fails to meaningfully address the growing healthcare crisis. It does nothing to alleviate medical debt, lower the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs, or curb the rampant practice of claim denials by private insurers. Without access to affordable and reliable care, our communities cannot thrive.
“I will continue to center the needs of the people of the 7th Assembly District and advocate for a budget that delivers for all, not just the few.
