Contact: Rep. Timothy Ramthun (608) 266-9175
MADISON- State Representative Timothy Ramthun (R-Campbellsport) issued the following statement in response to voting ‘no’ on the state budget:
“With the overwhelming majority of my constituents urging me to vote no, I was obligated to vote against this budget, to remain in line with the values of the 59th district. Simply put, my constituents sought a more conservative budget,” Rep. Ramthun stated. “The contrast between my no vote and the no votes of the Democrats is immense. They voted no because the budget didn’t spend enough, I voted no because the budget spent too much overall.”
The key concern was the increase in total spending. “Overall, this budget reflects over $83.5 billion in total spending, a six percent biennial increase from the last budget, which was also excessive. As a fiscal conservative, I simply cannot approve budgets that outpace inflation year after year,” Rep. Ramthun added. “I was elected partly due to my stance on fiscal responsibility, and I won’t compromise on the values of the people I represent.”
Despite his no vote, Rep. Ramthun did approve of multiple provisions in the budget. He continued, “The healthcare funding, specifically the dollars going to nursing homes and care workers, along with increases in special education funding and student mental health services, were a great use of taxpayer dollars. These funding increases are effective, and a great template for fiscal efficiency going forward.”
In closing, Rep. Ramthun wanted to thank the Republican leadership team and was appreciative of the Joint Finance Committee’s efforts in dealing with the divided government condition in Wisconsin.
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The 59th Assembly District includes Hartford, Kewaskum, Campbellsport, Eden, Cascade, Waldo, Mount Calvary, St. Cloud, and New Holstein.
