Senate Republican Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) says Governor Jim Doyle offered many ideas on how to spend more taxpayer dollars, but offered no ideas on dealing with the state's fiscal mess and the threat of a recession.
"The economy is going south in Wisconsin. We're gonna need a budget repair bill soon. We know that we're looking at some pretty terrible numbers coming out of the holiday season and the governor didn't address it. I mean he just kind of ducked that whole issue."
Republican Senator Mary Lazich ( pronounce ) (R-New Berlin) says before adding new programs, we need to cut spending and resist taking even more taxpayers' money. Lazich says, however, she's optimistic that both parties can work together.
"But what has to happen here, we have to look at what the facts are. And the facts are we are a high tax state; the facts are we spend too much; the facts are we are going into a recession. Those are the facts and in order to work together in a bipartisan fashion. We have to do things that are good for the people of Wisconsin."
The governor talked about the importance of investing in education and research. Madison Democrat Spencer Black agrees those two things are essential to a growing economy and high-paying jobs, but when the governor says we need to make sacrifices and tough choices; Black says he hopes that doesn't mean the average person has to take it on the chin.
AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:21 MP3)
