Last week, Governor Scott Walker addressed a Joint Session of the Legislature to outline his proposed 2017-19 budget. The state budget has the greatest impact of any piece of legislation that the Legislature debates during the two-year session.

The biennial budget proposal put forward by Governor Walker directs nearly $80 billion of taxpayers’ money and features several bold reforms. It is now the Legislature's job to balance Wisconsin's public service needs against the tax burden placed on its citizens. I am eager to dive into the details and work with the members of the Joint Finance Committee to ensure the proposed spending is accountable to the citizens who pay for it.

I was happy to see that the proposal stands firm on our promise not to increase taxes, including the gas tax. While the budget proposal does include transportation bonding, the level of bonding proposed is the smallest in 15 years. Wisconsin can put its transportation budget in order without increasing the overall tax base, and Governor Walker’s proposal works towards that goal.

Numerous other proposals were also included in the budget. They touch on tax cuts for the lowest two income brackets, occupational licensing reform, public benefit reform, elimination of several bureaucratic agencies, and streamlining postage and printing costs in state agencies. 

The proposal announcement is the beginning of a five-month process, during which the Legislature, led by the Joint Finance Committee, will collect input, review the proposal, and make adjustments. As always, I welcome your input regarding the budget or any other issues that arise.

The State Senate has an exciting new educational opportunity for middle and high school students. The "Page for a Day" program is a selective program that provides students the opportunity to see Wisconsin government at work. Pages will work on the Senate floor during session and have the opportunity observe lawmakers carry out their duties. I have the opportunity to sponsor three or four students to be a "page for a day" this year, so I encourage any interested students to apply early.

If you have any questions concerning the program or the application process, please contact Dr. Tammy Wehrle, Legislative Education and Outreach Officer at Tammy.Wehrle@legis.wi.gov. Additional information and the application can be found here.