Wisconsin's state budget was almost four months late this year, largely due to a political standoff in the Legislature. State Senator Judy Robson (D-Beloit) wants to make sure that doesn't happen again. She's introducing a bill that would require a state budget to be passed by September 15th, or else non-essential government services would be shut down until a deal is signed by the Governor.
Robson says the bill is needed to provide real penalties if the budget is late. The Beloit Democrat says having a real deadline in place will make Legislators see the consequences of dragging out the process.
Robson says the September 15th deadline gives lawmakers a chance to work out any differences on the budget, but prevents any delay from having a major impact on the state. She says it's a better idea than requiring a budget to be done by July 1st, when the state's new fiscal year begins.
Robson's proposal is one of several at the Capitol aimed at preventing future budget stalemates.
