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June 9, 2021 Contact: WisDems Communications ([email protected]) |
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Republican Legislators Slash Transportation Funding Even As Forecast Shows Unprecedented Increase in State Revenue |
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MADISON, Wis. — Yesterday, Republicans on the joint finance committee failed to fully fund Gov. Tony Evers’ nearly $2.4 billion capital budget, cutting $810 million for much-needed economic development projects and slashing state transit funding. A coalition of unions and construction groups had written a letter asking the committee members to fully fund the capital budget, arguing that the governor’s proposal would create tens of thousands of jobs and stimulate the state’s economy.
This move from Republicans comes as a report from the Legislative Fiscal Bureau shows an “unprecedented increase” of $4.4 billion in the state’s revenue – meaning the legislature can make a historic investment in the state’s rainy day fund and still invest in K-12 education, job creation, and other aspects of the governor’s Badger Bounceback agenda.
Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler released the following statement:
“By slashing critical investments proposed by Governor Evers, Wisconsin Republicans are making reckless decisions that weaken our economy. They’ve refused billions of dollars from the federal government, put federal education funding at risk, and now, they’re failing to fully fund needed economic development projects, transportation improvements, and other crucial aspects of the budget. At every turn, they’re making the wrong choices for Wisconsinites.
“Workers from across the state are begging the legislature to fully fund the Badger Bounceback budget because they know it would create tens of thousands of jobs and generate billions in economic activity. But Republican lawmakers are once again letting their obsession with thwarting the governor take precedence over the needs of Wisconsinites.
“As yesterday’s fiscal report showed, the state has brought in an unprecedented amount of revenue under Gov. Evers, and will be able to invest a historic amount of money in the state’s rainy day fund. Thanks to Gov. Evers’ steady, common-sense leadership, the state has enough funds to spend within our means and still invest in Wisconsin’s economic recovery. It’s time for Republicans to quit playing games with Wisconsin’s future and to come together to pass Gov. Evers’ Badger Bounceback budget.” |
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