MADISON - Updated state budget numbers show a nearly $100 million drop in revenue compared to previous estimates. The troubling numbers highlight the continued decline in family wages and debunk Gov. Walker’s latest claims about the state’s financial footing.  

“The declining revenue numbers are yet another sign of Wisconsin’s underperforming economy and declining family wages under Republican control,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). “After Gov. Walker’s yearlong campaign for president on the taxpayers’ dime, it’s time we focus on helping Wisconsin families rather than catering to out-of-state special interests."

“We’re never going to grow our middle class if legislative Republicans continue to drive down wages and outsource Wisconsin jobs,” added Sen. Shilling. “After the worst year for mass layoffs and plant closings in Wisconsin since 2010, we need to do more to turn things around. Democrats will continue to fight for investments in local schools, worker training and infrastructure projects to create jobs and move our state forward.”

While Wisconsin continues to struggle both financially and economically, other Midwestern states are seeing robust growth. The neighboring state of Minnesota is currently debating how to reinvest a $1.9 billion budget surplus into schools, early childhood education, middle class tax cuts and broadband infrastructure projects.