The Governor is thanking lawmakers for showing their willingness to move forward with budget negotiations.
Governor Jim Doyle on Friday thanked Senate Democrats for offering to remove Healthy Wisconsin from the budget. His comments come after Democrats on the conference committee offered to take the universal healthcare package of the negotiating table, in exchange for several items Doyle had previously requested. Those include an expansion of BadgerCare Plus, a hike in the cigarette tax, and a transfer from the patient's compensation fund. The Governor says he hopes the offer shows both sides are willing to agree on a budget that lawmakers can rally behind.
Meanwhile, the leader of the Democrat-controlled Senate and Republican Assembly Speaker will begin meeting Monday at the Executive Residence. A third member of the budget conference committee will join them for those discussions. Doyle is hopeful it will lead to a budget compromise. He says both sides have agreed to attend.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 :58)
