Rep. Cabrera: Wisconsinites Cannot Afford to Gamble with ARPA Funds

MADISON – State Representative Marisabel Cabrera (D-Milwaukee) released the following statement about the package of bills that were voted on in the Wisconsin State Assembly today. These bills could potentially harm Wisconsin’s ability to utilize the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to respond to the pandemic.

“It is clear that this package of bills was rushed through the legislative process and is not a serious proposal. The federal government has not yet issued guidelines regarding the permissible use of these funds. The nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau has told us they believe several of these bills are likely non-compliant with ARPA. If these bills are non-compliant with federal guidelines, Wisconsin taxpayers would need to repay millions of dollars to the federal government due to the misuse of federal dollars. That is not a risk our state should be taking with this lifeline.

“As an immigration lawyer, I am cognizant of the fact that federal agencies’ regulations and interpretation of federal statutes are constantly changing. Therefore, flexibility is crucial. If these bills become law, it will rob our state of the necessary flexibility to remain in compliance with federal law and address unanticipated needs created by the pandemic.

“Governor Evers has already proven to be a good steward of taxpayer money through the investments he made with the previous round of federal funding we received through the CARES Act. I have confidence that he will continue to do the same with the ARPA funds.

“Our constituents demand more from us than partisan posturing. Our goal right now should be to get help to those who need it as soon as possible, and this package of bills makes it more difficult to accomplish that goal. Considering how many Wisconsinites are still struggling to cope with the effects of the pandemic, I am extremely disappointed that anyone would be willing to gamble with these funds.”

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.