Sen. Marklein: Statement on governor’s budget message

Madison, WI – Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) offered the following statement regarding Governor Tony Evers’ Budget Message:

“The Governor’s budget message appeared to be a wish list of things for his donors and supporters in Milwaukee and Madison. He talked about spending $84 billion, which is nearly $9 billion more than our last budget!

I’m not sure where he accounts for an 11% increase in spending or where those dollars come from.  The only revenue increase he talked about in his speech is increasing the gas tax and the Medicaid expansion. Neither of these new revenue streams get even close to $9 billion more.

While there are some ideas I support and plan to champion in the budget such as continuing the UW tuition freeze, funding for rural broadband, directing more funds to rural roads, water quality programs and rural school funding, I am not sure that we are on the same page for ‘how’ to accomplish these goals.

There are several formulas and processes that must be improved if we are going to dedicate more dollars to roads and schools. I did not hear this level of detail. As a member of the Joint Finance Committee, the details matter to me and I will be working hard to understand them and improve our approach to these areas.”

Marklein is hosting Budget Listening Sessions throughout the 17^th Senate District over the next several weeks to gather input and ideas on the Governor’s budget and the budget in general.  Details follow:

Friday, March 1 with Rep. Tony Kurtz, 50^th Assembly District
9-10 a.m.                     Mauston City Hall Council Chambers
      303 Mansion St., Mauston, WI  53948

1-2 p.m.                       Reedsburg City Hall Council Chambers
      134 S. Locust Street, Reedsburg, WI  53959

Monday, March 4
10-11 a.m.                   Darlington Municipal Bldg. – Council Room
      627 Main St., Darlington, WI  53530

12:30–1:30 p.m.          Monroe Public Library – Upstairs Program Room
      925 16th Ave, Monroe, WI  53566

Monday, March 11 
10:30-11:30 a.m.         Schreiner Memorial Library – Community Room Two
      with Rep. Travis Tranel, 49th Assembly District
      113 West Elm St., Lancaster, WI  53813

2-3 p.m.                       Linden Municipal Building – “Senior Citizen Room”
      444 Jefferson St., Linden, WI  53553

Monday, March 18 with Rep. Tony Kurtz (50) & Rep. Travis Tranel (49)
10:30-11:30 a.m.         Brewer Public Library – “Story Time Room” in basement
      325 N. Central Ave., Richland Center

Marklein represents the 17^th Senate District, which includes all or parts Grant, Green, Iowa, Juneau, Lafayette, Monroe, Richland, Sauk and Vernon counties. Marklein serves on the legislature’s budget-writing Joint Finance Committee and is Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Revenue & Financial Institutions.