If one thing became apparent Wednesday, as members of the legislature's budget conference committee continued to talk past one another, it was that the two sides remain philosophically miles apart. Speaker Mike Huebsch (R-West Salem) and his Republican negotiators offered the Assembly's property tax freeze and levy limit for tech college districts, and rejection of the governor's proposal to increase the real estate transfer fee, all of which Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson (D-Beloit) called "disappointing." Sen. Bob Jauch (D-Poplar) once again called the GOP budget "fiscally reckless," because it leaves no money in reserve, while Huebsch said it puts taxpayers first. "The bottom line is, if we don't spend money we don't have, we don't have a structural deficit." Robson and the Democrats offered a package of proposals centered on the needs of Milwaukee, which resulted in more partisan wrangling Wednesday afternoon, but no agreement. The eight member panel is scheduled to meet again Thursday morning at 11:00.
Republican health plan facing criticism
Republicans are offering tax deductions for Health Savings Accounts as a way to reduce medical costs. Robert Kraig with Citizen Action of Wisconsin says the plan would only make problems worse. He says that's because the average deductible is nearly $4,000 a year, which is almost double the level set by many insurance plans.
Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch has said HSAs give consumers more control over their health care dollar. However, Kraig says any extra freedom comes at a cost. He says the Assembly plan also takes money out of the insurance system, by allowing wealthy people to put their health care expenses into a tax sheltered account.
The Republican plan was a counter to the universal health care system offered by Senate Democrats and the Governor's BadgerCare Plus proposal. Both of those plans have faced mixed criticism and support so far. Kraig says the GOP proposal is a polar opposite of those plans.
Lawmakers are debating health care reforms as state budget negotiations continue.
Capuano's struggles continue, Brewers fall to Rockies
The Milwaukee Brewers are now 0-14 in Chris Capuano's last 14 starts, and the Brewers dropped their 2nd straight to the Colorado Rockies, 11-4 in Denver.
Capuano was cruising along with a 3-hit shutout through five and then fell apart in the sixth. Once again, the Brewers struggling bullpen failed to protect the lead, sending Capuano to his 9th straight loss (5-9).
It's the third straight loss for the Brewers overall, but they maintain their 1-game lead on the Chicago Cubs in the Central Division.
The Brewers try to salvage the final game of the series this afternoon.
Bucks sign free agent from summer league
The Milwaukee Bucks signed guard-forward Awvee Storey to a multi-year contract on Tuesday.
Storey impressed Bucks General Manager Larry Harris and the Bucks coaching staff during the Las Vegas Summer League, averaging 11 points and 5.2 rebounds in 5-games.
Storey has spent most of the last five seasons playing overseas.
UW student groups react to tuition hike
UW students who will have to pay that five and a half per cent tuition hike are looking for a silver lining in the Board of Regents action.
The United Council of University of Wisconsin Students says it's pleased a tuition freeze was put on the thirteen two-year campuses.
Gestina Sewell with the Associated Students of Madison says her group is encouraged the state still wants to invest in higher education but they always hope for a zero per cent hike to give students time to catch up financially. Because financial aid doesn't go up along with tuition.
Sewell says she was somewhat surprised at the five and a half per cent hike when they were told weeks ago it would be four percent tops. When asked why the change, Sewell says the board didn't have a direct answer other than that's the state of the state budget.
And that's why Sewell says ASM and others will keep pushing lawmakers to fully fund the University System.
