CONTACT: Senator Kapenga 608-266-9174
Senator Stroebel 608-266-7513
Senator Nass 608-266-2635

MADISON, WI – State Senators Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield), Steve Nass (R-Whitewater) and Duey Stroebel (R-Cedarburg) released the following statement after voting in favor of the 2017-19 Biennial Budget after achieving Governor Scott Walker’s commitment to veto numerous provisions.

While the Senators initially sought to remove provisions lacking common sense taxpayer protections and to insert accountability reforms, they were able to achieve many of those goals after detailed discussions with Governor Walker and his staff.
“A key goal entering this budget was addressing the transportation issues that the state has been grappling with. Between the budget and the veto agreements with the Governor, including the transportation reforms, I am encouraged that we will finally have a pathway to a long-term solution.”
-Senator Chris Kapenga

“Every step of the way, State Senate conservatives fought to keep the focus of this budget on protecting middle class families from the added burden of property and gas tax increases. We blocked efforts to kill the UW System tuition freeze that has already saved the average student more than $6,300 over the last four years.”
-Senator Steve Nass

“Creating the opportunity for all Wisconsinites to enjoy the quality of life they choose in our great state has always been my priority. The budget process must continually strive to deliver effective and efficient government without encroaching on our freedoms and liberties. I am proud to have impacted the final budget product in a way that continues to advance these cherished principals. I thank Governor Walker for his leadership during this budget process.”
-Senator Duey Stroebel

All three thanked Governor Scott Walker and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald for their cooperative approach in allowing for a compromise solution, a stark contrast to the Assembly leadership’s position of process over taxpayers.
The senators announced the following veto assurances from the Governor (additional vetoes supported by the three members will be announced by the Governor’s Office later this evening):

Public Finance Authority
-Full veto of this budget provision giving the Public Financing Authority expanded powers, including eminent domain and issuing bonds with no oversight.

School District Referendums
-Partial veto that will permit school district referendums to conduct referendums only on regularly scheduled primary and general election days. Veto would remove special election option in November of odd-numbered years.

Energy Efficiency Exemption to School District Revenue Limit
-Partial veto that reinstates the Governor’s provision to remove the energy efficiency exemption to the school district revenue limit, making school district spending more accountable to its taxpayers.

Fed-Swap
-Partial veto deleting the requirement that a study be conducted of the Fed-Swap, and give DOT the flexibility to administratively enact a Fed-Swap policy.

Prevailing Wage Repeal
-Partial veto that implements an immediate repeal of prevailing wage on state projects, as opposed to the September 1, 2018, effective date.

Transportation Projects Commission
-Partial veto that leads to removal of changes to the TPC, but leaves the independent engineering study.

*Additional vetoes supported by the three members will be announced by the Governor’s Office later this evening.

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