Even though the state budget will likely be finalized in a conference committee, Speaker Mike Huebsch (R-West Salem) says the plan passed in the Assembly will not include any tax hikes. The West Salem Republican the conference committee will still be able to see a budget without tax increases because they'll show them how to do it. Huebsch also wants to make sure tax cuts are included.
The budget is supposed to be finished by the end of this month, but Huebsch says he's not setting a deadline for completing their work. The Speaker says he's more concerned about the final product…not the date it's finished. The Senate will take up the budget first, but Huebsch says the Assembly should be able to take up that action shortly afterwards. Still, Huebsch says there is no rush because the state can function without a new budget.
In a statement, Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson (D-Beloit) said she hopes to sit down with Huebsch to discuss the budget approval process. She also wants to avoid inaction that could throw communities and schools into chaos.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:21)
