MADISON, WI — Today, State Senator Melissa Ratcliff (D-Cottage Grove) released the following statement explaining her vote against the 2025-27 Wisconsin biennial budget, citing deep concerns over it’s failure to adequately fund public education, child care, and critical services for workers and families:
“I cannot and could not in good conscience support a budget that leaves our public schools struggling, ignores the ongoing child care crisis, and shortchanges the people who make our communities strong”, Senator Ratcliff stated. “This was a missed opportunity to deliver a forward-looking budget that meets the moment. Republicans continue to put tax breaks for millionaires over our kids, over our future and over the hard-working residents of our state.”
Last week, when Assembly and Senate Republicans and the Governor were at an impasse, Senate Democratic Minority Leader Hesselbein was finally asked to come to the negotiating table. Senator Hesselbein’s leadership in negotiating with Republicans made a horrendous budget less terrible overall.
Budgets are moral documents. Unfortunately, this budget continues to prioritize politics over progress. It does not reflect the values or needs of Wisconsin families especially not those in Senate District 16. Senator Ratcliff remains committed to fighting for the investments our communities deserve and she will continue working to ensure every student, parent, and worker has a fair chance.
