MADISON, WI – Today, State Representative Renuka Mayadev (D-Madison) voted against the state budget, citing concerns that the budget fails to meet the needs of Wisconsin families, public schools, and communities at a time of rising costs and mounting federal uncertainty. While the agreement secures some critical investments, it abandons too many priorities.
Rep. Mayadev issued the following statement:
“While this budget is a step forward, I could not in good conscience support a budget that leaves behind women’s health, underinvests in public schools and the University of Wisconsin system, fails to renew the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, and does nothing to ease the high costs that our families face every day.
“Mothers were forgotten. Republicans refused to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months, leaving Wisconsin one of two states in the entire country that does not cover mothers for the full year after a baby’s birth. Paid family leave wasn’t included, and the childcare system is still unaffordable for young parents.
“Moreover, our public schools are being asked to do more with less. With no new state aid, districts will be forced to turn again to referendums that place the burden directly on family budgets. Additionally, there is an outrageous overreach into the University of Wisconsin system to institute faculty teaching requirements, which undermines the vital autonomy of higher education.
“These choices would be troubling in any year, but they are especially reckless in the context of looming cuts from Washington, D.C., where Republicans are set to make major reductions to healthcare, education, and food programs all to give a tax break to the wealthy. At a time when there is an urgent need to protect hardworking Wisconsinites, this budget falls too far short.”
