Contact: (608) 266-2540
Madison – This evening, Governor Evers delivered his first budget address to the Wisconsin State Legislature. Rep. Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam) released the following statement regarding the recommendations made by the governor:
“Governor Evers’ budget request is a massive spending spree that will erase progress made over the last eight years. By prioritizing our spending and budgeting responsibly, our state is in great fiscal condition. More people are working than ever before and families are keeping more of their hard earned money.
“The governor’s wish list comes with a massive price tag. One thing he failed to highlight in his address was how he plans on paying for all of these big ticket items. I’ll make one thing very clear – Assembly Republicans will not support an increase in taxes on the people of Wisconsin to pay for these divisive proposals.
“His proposal also includes a number of policy items that are too complex to be included in the budget document. We can all agree that conversations surrounding marijuana legalization and redistricting reform should be pulled out of the budget and discussed as individual legislation.
“One of the most important parts of my job is helping craft a two-year spending plan for the people of Wisconsin. With that being said, I hope to find some areas that I can support in the governor’s proposal, like more funding for our public schools and reforming our criminal justice system. Although there were many policies that I disagreed with the governor on this evening, the people of our state elected us to work together.
“Now, it’s the Legislature’s turn to work on the two-year spending plan. As a member of budget-writing committee, I look forward to traveling the state to listen to the priorities of all people of Wisconsin, not just those of Madison and Milwaukee. I’ll also be holding my in-district listening sessions to hear directly from the constituents of the 39th Assembly District. I’m optimistic that my colleagues and I can put together a budget that reflects the values of those who elected us to be their voice in Madison.”
