Madison – State Representative Angelina Cruz (D-Racine) reacted to the announcement of a budget deal for spending down the state surplus, cautioning that the negative impact may outweigh the short-term benefits being exaggerated. She also blasted the lack of transparency in the process.
“Let’s call this what it is: a backroom deal by three lame duck lawmakers,” she said, “ a backroom deal with long-term consequences for the state of Wisconsin, on which the public has had no say. Throughout this session, I’ve been sounding the alarm about the desperate situation of our public schools and the crisis in affordability. I could not be more disappointed by spending our precious resources without addressing our significant challenges.”
She urged the public not to fall for the symbolic gesture of a tax rebate. “A one-time rebate check is not the solution to the cost of living crisis that Republicans have built over the last 15 years.” In fact, many state residents for whom the small refund could be meaningful won’t even qualify for it – retirees who don’t owe state income tax, for example. Worse yet, the maximum $300 for individuals is provided regardless of income or need. “This is a slap in the face to state residents struggling to afford housing, food, utilities, child care – everything.”
Cruz acknowledged public schools will likely be grateful for this limited infusion of cash – funding which is tied though to a boost in revenue for charter schools and already better-funded voucher schools. “Our public schools are on the precipice of collapse, so much so that they’ll be happy about crumbs. This funding may help districts save jobs for this coming school year, and I’m all for that. But we’re not addressing the persistent structural problem Assembly Democrats proposed to address with AB 1176 back in March.” Cruz co-authored AB 1176, as well as introducing “Keep Our Promise on Special Education Reimbursement”, and legislation to raise the minimum wage to a living wage.
“This deal is about politics and appearances, not substance, and not problem-solving,” Cruz said. “We will have the same unresolved needs in the very near future, perhaps even more dramatically, and the lawmakers who crafted this deal won’t be around to face the music.”
