MADISON – Wednesday the Wisconsin State Senate debated the 2023-25 biennial budget as amended by the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee (JFC). Senator Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick) and his Democratic colleagues introduced eleven amendments designed to restore vital provisions of the Governor’s budget slashed by JFC. All eleven amendments were rejected.

Senator Smith issued the following statement regarding the amendments and the passage of the biennial budget:

“Today my Senate Democratic colleagues and I proudly introduced amendments meant to give our Republican colleagues one more opportunity to do the right thing for the citizens of Wisconsin. With nearly $7 billion in surplus, now is the time to make critical investments in the people of Wisconsin. Instead Republicans chose a tax giveaway to the very wealthiest earners.

“These amendments included provisions to support working families, increase community safety, support learners from pre-K through higher education, strengthen the health of children, families and communities, and protect our agriculture, environment and water quality. Each one was rejected by Senate Republicans.

“While opposition to the budget was bipartisan, the budget passed with overwhelming Republican support. It’s unfortunate that the majority seems bent on ensuring that the opportunities in front of us become opportunities we’ve left behind us. While Republican malfeasance won the day today, my colleagues and I will continue to listen to the people of Wisconsin when they ask for action on the issues that matter most to them.”