http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/tony-evers-signs-dmv-s5.jpgBudget bill negotiated between Gov. Evers and Republican leaders is best alternative available, say Green Bay Senator.

GREEN BAY – Today, State Senator Jamie Wall joined four of his Democratic colleagues in support of the 2025 - 2027 budget bill negotiated between Governor Evers, Republican leaders of both houses of the Legislature, and the Democratic leader of the State Senate.

“This is not the budget I would have written, but it beat the only two possible alternatives:  a budget catering to the most extreme right-wing legislators or no budget at all,” said Wall.

“We needed to act quickly to secure $1.1 billion in additional federal Medicaid funding for Wisconsin, especially in light of the massive cuts in Medicaid contained in the Trump budget now being debated in Washington,” continued Wall. “The 1.2 million Wisconsinites who depend on Medicaid, including children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities, simply couldn’t wait.”

Senator Wall highlighted several provisions in the budget achieved with his support, including:

• The largest increase in funding for the Universities of Wisconsin in more than two decades;
• $330 million to support Wisconsin’s vital child care industry;
• A record $500 million increase in special education reimbursement;
• More than $1.3 billion in tax cuts to provide relief to working families and retirees; and
• Several provisions specific to the Green Bay area, including:
  • $30 million for the City of De Pere and Brown County to fund the Red Maple Drive railroad bridge on the western approach to the new South Bridge;
  • $20 million for the Port of Green Bay; and
  • $1 million for the UWGB Rising Phoenix program, which allows high school students to graduate with an associate degree.

“The biggest missed opportunity in this budget is more funding to improve education for our public-school kids and keep property taxes down,” said Wall.  “Despite the record increase in special ed reimbursement, many school districts will still be forced to referendum.”

Wall also identified two other missed chances in the budget to help Wisconsinites struggling with the cost of living:  bipartisan legislation to reduce housing costs by allowing the state housing authority to better deploy already-allocated funds and multiple measures to reduce healthcare costs for Wisconsin families.

Finally, Senator Wall looked forward to further reform of the state Corrections system, including a clear path to the closure of the Green Bay Correctional Institution, as the budget took only a small, but positive, step in that direction.