Senator Craig Introduces Zero-Based Budgeting Process

Madison, WI — On Monday, State Senator David Craig (R-Town of Vernon) circulated a bill to reinstate the base budget review process. This requires state agencies to submit a report of every dollar and program they administer to be reviewed by the legislature. This law was originally enacted in 2002 and repealed in 2009. Senator Craig released the follow statement on the bill:

“In the state budget process, the previous budget becomes the new starting point, or ‘base’. That base budget is hardly ever examined – it’s ‘baked into the cake’. Wisconsin families have to put all their bills and receipts on the table when making their budgets. They examine every dollar, and so should government,” said Senator Craig.

The bill would require one third of state agencies to submit a detailed report of all programs and spending with their biennial budget requests. Over a six-year period, each government agencies will have submitted this report describing all programs, activities, and costs.

“Government will continue to grow unchecked unless we regularly seek out the waste, inefficiencies, and antiquated programs that continue to hide in the base budgets of all state agencies free from scrutiny,” said Senator Craig. “This bill will shine a light on every tax dollar.”

“As Ronald Reagan once said, ‘a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we’ll ever see on this earth!’ A thorough examination of government spending is a fundamental duty of the legislature. Without it, we fail the taxpayer,” said Senator Craig.

Senator Craig represents the 28th Senate District which includes parts of Waukesha, Milwaukee, Racine, and Walworth counties.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

Recent Press Releases by State Sen. David Craig

Statement on Extension of “Shelter-in-place” to May 26th

Apr 16th, 2020 by State Sen. David Craig

Sen. Craig: “Evers and Palm have gone too far! The Senate must reject Palm now!”

Senator Craig Statement on Governor Evers’ Shelter-in-place Order

Mar 23rd, 2020 by State Sen. David Craig

Madison, WI — Today, State Senator David Craig (R-Town of Vernon) released the following statement relating to Governor Tony Evers’ Shelter-in-Place Order: “A decision of such magnitude like a ‘shelter-in-place’ order, regardless of what the government calls it, should only be established through the surety and specificity of an act of the legislature because of its extreme effects on Wisconsin families and businesses. Such action could stem the tide of confusion and anxiety being experienced by employers and employees all across the state. “Further, Governor Evers needs to articulate the specific information he received which caused contradiction between his Friday statement ‘I believe that we’ll be able to avoid [a shelter-in-place order]’ and today’s statement that he will make such an order effective tomorrow. “Additionally, last week I requested the Governor and Attorney General provide details as to how the government’s actions abide by the constitutional strict scrutiny that is required. Their continued silence on these issues is unacceptable given the precipitously negative impacts on civil rights and the economy. “Because of the Governor’s extreme step, I believe the legislature should consider the following protections for Wisconsin citizens: Require legislative approval of any statewide “shelter-in-place” order for reasons of pandemic or infectious disease Require legislative passive review of any “Emergency Declaration” after 30 days, with affirmative approval needed for a state of emergency lasting longer than 60 days Require a written report detailing the satisfaction of strict scrutiny concerns be given to the legislature prior to a ban of gatherings of 50 or fewer is to be in effect Require an immediate report to the legislature of arrests for mass gathering violations “The constitution was not designed to be disregarded in a time of crisis, in fact, it was specifically designed to be most valuable and applicable during times of crisis when liberties are most at risk.”

Sen. Craig Responds to Gov. Evers’ State of the State Address

Jan 22nd, 2020 by State Sen. David Craig

“Republican legislative majorities will continue to take a commonsense approach and govern responsibly by limiting government overreach while supporting a free-market economy, which is the very recipe that has led to one of the most prosperous decades in state history.”