The Wisconsin state budget is one of the first bills that the Legislature tackles at the start of the session. This two year budget determines how state and federal funds will be spent, making it the largest and one of the most important bills that the legislature will pass each session. The previous session's budget detailed how nearly $90 billion was spent.
The governor recently announced his proposed two-year budget for the state. Unsurprisingly, his plan was a wish list instead of a proposal that realistically addresses people's concerns about our state licensing agency or improves our existing government programs before creating new ones. I'm also concerned about the proposed spending levels, where he used one-time monies to fund programs that have continued expenses beyond this budget. If his proposal would have been implemented as written, state spending would exceed state revenue by $5.2 billion in 2024 and $1.3 billion in 2025, the largest budget imbalance of any kind. This is not responsible budgeting.
However, I am confident that the Legislature will rewrite this budget and send it back to the governor with smart and prudent investments in our local government and schools while remaining accountable to Wisconsin taxpayers. But before we begin that process, I need to know what your priorities are. That is why, during each budget cycle, I continue to travel the 93rd Assembly District to learn about your priorities. These listening sessions provide an excellent opportunity for me to meet with you, the constituents of the 93rd, and learn about the issues that are important to you and our district.
On March 31st, I have reserved rooms in our communities for you to schedule a one-on-one meeting with me. The times and locations are listed below. If you'd like to meet, please contact my office to arrange a time that works.
River Falls City Hall, 222 Lewis St, 10:30am-11:30am
Spring Valley Public Library, E121 S 2nd St, 1pm-2pm
Durand Public Library, 604 7th Ave E, 3pm-4pm
In addition, if you are unable to attend, you are welcome to attend the Joint Finance Committee's public hearing on April 11th in Eau Claire. It will be held on the third floor of the UW-Eau Claire Student Center, 77 Roosevelt Ave., in the Ojibwe Grand Ballroom. You can also comment online at https://legis.wisconsin.gov/topics/budgetcomments/.
And, as always, if you are unable to attend either of these events, please contact me at Rep.Petryk@legis.wi.gov or call my office at (888) 834-0093 or (608) 237-9193.
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