MADISON – The Wisconsin State Senate is poised to pass a state budget that does not support the hardworking people of the state. Today, Senate Democrats offered several amendments to provide Senate Republicans with one final opportunity to honor the will of the people. Republicans squandered this opportunity by rejecting each of Senate Democrats’ amendments. Senate Democratic Leader Melissa Agard (D-Madison) released the following statement:

“Today, my Democratic colleagues and I called on the GOP to do the right thing by Wisconsin and return this budget to a form that serves the hardworking people of our state. Republicans said ‘no’ to paid FMLA, Child Care Counts funding, cannabis legalization, expanded health care access, reproductive freedom, bolstering our public schools and the office of school safety, and so much more.

“Republicans chose to ignore the will of the people, and instead pass tax breaks for the rich. The policies they continue to push will inflict generational harm on our state.

“People want to live, work, and play in a state where they are valued and their work is honored. Under the climate Republicans are creating, young people will not stay here. And when our young folks leave, there is long-term harm to the business community and the broader economy. If there are no workers, Wisconsin will not be an attractive place for businesses to open.

“Rather than attracting and retaining workers with affordable health care, strong and safe public schools, accessible child care, clean air and water, and other vital initiatives, Republicans intentionally chose to provide Wisconsin’s wealthiest individuals with millions of dollars in tax subsidies. Republicans lost the opportunity to be a part of transformational and meaningful change in our state and their misplaced priorities will prevent Wisconsin from moving forward.

“My Democratic colleagues and I will continue our work to honor the will of the people, rather than honoring special interests as Republicans have chosen to do.”