Contact: Representative Joel Kitchens (608) 266-5350
Madison- Representative Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay) released a statement following the Assembly’s vote on the 2017-2019 biennial state budget yesterday:
“I was proud last night to cast my vote alongside my fellow Republican legislators in support of this state budget. This budget is good for our state, and good for the first district.
This budget contains the largest investment in K-12 education made by the state, providing school districts with $639 million in funding. There will be an increase in per pupil aid by $200 per pupil in the first year and $204 in the second year and the floor of minimum funding levels for low spending districts will be raised.
“This budget brings us a historic investment in education that is welcomed by our state’s educators and schools. As a former school board member, I can recognize the value of this commitment by the legislature to support schools and I can think of no other investment that has a greater return than the children of our state.
“Additionally, there are several provisions in this budget that directly impact our district. I have worked hard this session to push for projects in our region that will have monumental positive impacts for my entire constituency. This budget includes funding for a Total Maximum Daily Load Study of the rivers of Door, Kewaunee and Manitowoc Counties. This budget also includes a $750,000 grant to rebuild Eagle Tower in Peninsula State Park and a $3.2 million Harbor Assistance Grant to Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding for the Sturgeon Bay Harbor. Additionally, this budget allows for Door County Medical Center to obtain an additional 18 nursing home beds for their facility. These projects will help protect our district’s natural resources, continue to attract tourists, grow our workforce and take care of our elderly.”
The budget bill will now head to the Senate for a vote before heading to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.
