Rep. Hesselbein Statement on Republican Attempt to Control Federal Funding
MADISON – Today, the Wisconsin State Assembly voted on a package of bills that would direct Governor Evers how to spend billions in federal funding. These funds have been allocated to Wisconsin as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. Governor Evers has already begun announcing plans for these funds. In response to today’s floor session, Rep. Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) released the following statement:
“We were in session again today, because my Republican colleagues are feeling the pressure for not providing any real relief for a year in response to this pandemic. Unfortunately, that means the State Assembly had to take up almost a dozen bills aimed at politicizing the Governor’s efforts to help Wisconsin families through this difficult time.
“Legislators came in three weeks ago to debate this issue with giving legislative Republicans control of Wisconsin’s federal COVID-19 funds. We determined then, just as we did today, that these funds are allocated under state law by the Governor. My Republican colleagues might not like the Governor or might want to be the Governor themselves, but this is not the time to drag down the process in an attempt to reallocate funds.
“Governor Evers already announced an initial framework for Wisconsin’s American Recuse Plan funds, which focuses on supporting the state’s continued recovery. We need flexibility and efficiency in spending Wisconsin’s federal COVID-19 funds. While legislative Republicans continue to politicize everything related to COVID-19 and are acting irresponsibly with these bills, Governor Evers is taking actions that help our state respond to the virus and bounce back from the pandemic.”
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.