Republican Budget is Replete with Countless Missed Opportunities

MADISON — On Tuesday, Assembly Republicans passed their version of the state budget which misses out on many of the opportunities addressed in Governor Evers’ plan. Rep. LaKeshia Myers (D-12) released the following statement:

“The budget passed today leaves much to be desired for the people of Wisconsin. While there were some investments, it does not do nearly enough to move us forward as a state. This budget does not fully fund special education, leaving school districts (such as Milwaukee Public Schools) to continue funding special education out of their general fund, therefore reducing their overall budget. The GOP budget also removed a provision that would require the Department of Health Services to give grant priority to community health agencies that specialize in servicing historically underrepresented communities. With this budget, we could have done much more to ensure long-term success and progress for our state, it is unfortunate that this was not achieved with this budget.”

• Shared Revenue: Milwaukee County has yet again not been given its fair share of funding, which will impact county services and resources that are already stretched thin and in danger of being discontinued.  Meanwhile, smaller towns will have the opportunity to utilize more funding, albeit their contributions are significantly less than that of Milwaukee.
• DHS: The Republican budget would spend approximately $300 million MORE in state taxpayer dollars and draws down $1.3 billion LESS than the Governor’s budget.
• DPI:  The Republican budget fails to make the needed investments in special education by providing $509 million less than the Governor. Despite stating support for it, do not reach two-thirds funding for our public K-12 schools.
• UW System: Republicans failed, once again, to prioritize UW System by spending $69.3 million less than the Governor’s proposal, providing only $13 million.
• DNR: Republicans provided less funding for research than the Governor and failed to expand the well compensation program.  This budget also does not address environmental hazards such as lead abatement, which is of concern for many Wisconsin communities.
• DOT: Wisconsin’s roads ranks as some of the worst in the country. That’s why the Governor proposed a smart, sustainable plan that did not require fee increases or state GPR. Republicans chose to significantly increase fees on Wisconsin drivers ($95 increase in title fee alone) while giving drivers from Illinois and Minnesota a free ride.

“The Republican budget falls short of the Governor’s plan because they didn’t listen. After eight years of failed leadership by Republicans, it’s time we try a new approach, focused on the people we represent. Governor Evers’ budget is so powerful because it would create a Wisconsin that works for everyone–a Wisconsin for us.”

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.

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Rep. Myers: It is Evident that MPS Board is Part of the Problem

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Rep. Myers Responds to Recent Events Involving Milwaukee Public Schools

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