MADISON – Senator Melissa Ratcliff (D-Cottage Grove) released the following statement after the Wisconsin State Senate rejected legislation that would have spent down any potential state surplus and created a projected $2.9 billion deficit:
“This proposal was reckless, fiscally unsound, and irresponsible. Wisconsin families deserve meaningful property tax relief, but using the state’s budget surplus, an amount that is not truly known yet, for a short-term fix is the wrong approach. It is fiscally irresponsible. One-time funding does not solve the long-term challenges facing our school districts, educators, students, families and local taxpayers. It does not address how to make everyday living affordable as inflation and gas prices continue to rise and the economy continues to slow.”
Senator Ratcliff emphasized that Wisconsinites continue to struggle with rising costs, caused by years of insufficient state support under this Republican controlled legislature as well as reckless national economic decisions and costly international conflicts created by the Federal administration.
“Wisconsin families deserve sustainable solutions that create opportunity, strengthen our economy, and protect essential services. Democrats remain focused on policies that directly support working families and strengthen communities across Wisconsin.” Senate Ratcliff stated.
“We must invest in the priorities that matter most to Wisconsinites by fully funding public schools, expanding access to affordable health care and housing, lowering costs for hardworking families, supporting our farmers and rural communities, and protecting services for seniors and veterans”.
Democrats remain committed to transparency, openness and people-focused governing. Ratcliff thanked Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) for her leadership. Looking ahead, when Democrats are in the majority, we can and will make our schools, our state, and economy stronger while being fiscally responsible. This proposal by the Governor and Republicans is not how we do it.”
