Rep. Robyn Vining: Statement on Joint Committee on Finance Removal of Important Provisions from State Budget

MADISON – Today, the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) voted, on party lines, to remove almost 400 items from Governor Evers’ proposed budget. Key proposals that JFC removed from the budget include BadgerCare expansion, Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO), eliminating copayments for prescription drugs, PFAS related provisions, repealing the right to work law, family and medical leave, among others. Additionally, many of the provisions removed would have increased equity in Wisconsin, including the equity grant program, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice, underserved community grants, health equity grants, and funding for equity officer positions in key state departments, among other provisions on this topic. State Representative Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) released the following statement in response:

“A budget is a moral document. A budget outlines the priorities of our state, and reflects our values. Budget listening sessions have been crowded and in earnest for over 6 months now and the voice of the people has been clear: the people of Wisconsin want BadgerCare expansion, clean water, gun violence prevention, affordable drug prices, and the right to join a union, among other critical issues. The Republican-controlled Joint Finance Committee removed a vast number of key provisions in one swoop, abandoning the will of the people of Wisconsin.

“By rejecting BadgerCare expansion, Republicans are rejecting $1.6 billion to invest in our state, our communities, and the people of Wisconsin. They are blocking healthcare coverage to over 90,000 Wisconsinites and ignoring the will of the people. They are gutting an additional $1.8 billion from the Governor’s proposed budget, jeopardizing investments in our K-12 schools and our university systems, in mental healthcare, in addressing the climate crisis, in equity-focused initiatives.

“I will continue to advocate for these key provisions and I encourage Wisconsinites to continue their advocacy as well. As it says on the ceiling of the Governor’s conference room, ‘the will of the people is the law of the land’. It’s time the majority party builds a budget that reflects the values and the will of the people.”

 Rep. Vining represents the 14th Assembly District, which includes parts of Brookfield, Wauwatosa, and Milwaukee. For more information, visit Rep. Vining’s website here. 

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.