MADISON–The Assembly was in session today, but not to debate and vote on the state budget. Republican lawmakers instead have stalled the budget process and advanced bills that are unfunded, with no guarantee they will be funded in the state budget. Rep. Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) released the following statement:
“Wisconsinites deserve a strong state budget that reflects their needs, and that is what Governor Evers proposed after listening to the voices of Wisconsinites. Republican lawmakers instead stripped many important provisions from Governor Evers’ proposed budget, including investments in mental healthcare, public education, childcare support–and so much more–and then walked away from budget negotiations, stalled the budget process, and left us wondering if we will see a budget before the June 30 deadline. This is happening because Republican lawmakers have caved to their most extreme members, instead of finding bipartisan votes across the aisle.
“By walking away from budget negotiations, Republican lawmakers have shown that they have no plan to strengthen our public schools, invest in childcare, and support the UW System. Instead, Republican lawmakers advanced several bills today that are unfunded, rejecting Democratic amendments to ensure that funding is included–either now or in the state budget. We gave Republican lawmakers a path forward to fund these bills, and I wish they’d taken it.
“Assembly Democrats are focused on passing a strong state budget that lowers costs for working families and helps us build a strong future for our state. It is time for Republican lawmakers to join us and Governor Evers to pass a strong state budget that invests in the needs of Wisconsinites so we can move forward, together.”
Rep. Vining represents the 13th Assembly District, which includes Elm Grove, and parts of Wauwatosa and Brookfield. For more information visit Rep. Vining’s website here
