MADISON, Wis. -Yesterday, the Committee on Joint Finance took action on multiple budget proposals. Rep. Palmeri released the following statement:
“I was disappointed to see that the majority party on the Committee on Joint Finance did not increase payments for municipalities under the Municipal Services Payment Program. In 2024, the $18.6 million funding level only covered 37.6% of the costs for these locally funded services. Oshkosh is the third largest provider of municipal services behind Milwaukee and Madison and leaving funding at base level will only continue to increase costs for households in the 54th, stated Rep. Palmeri.
“I also have concerns regarding the lack of funding approved for special education reimbursement, general school aids, and early literacy. Overall, the motion raised by legislative Republicans provided only 10% of the funding for K-12 schools that the Governor proposed.
“I do want to highlight that the Committee on Joint Finance did pass a motion to increase bonding revenue for the Environmental Improvement Fund earlier this week. This consists of two state revolving loan funds: the clean water fund and the safe drinking water loan program. The clean water fund program provides financial assistance to municipalities for the planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatment facilities. The safe drinking water loan program provides low-interest loans to municipalities for planning, designing, constructing, or modifying public drinking water systems, if the projects will facilitate compliance with national primary drinking water regulations under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.
“Overall, there is still much work to be done on the 2025-27 Wisconsin State Budget. My office will continue to be a voice for every constituent of the 54th Assembly District and are hopeful the final budget will reflect our states shared values.”
