The budget repair bill has earned final approval in the state Assembly.
Lawmakers approved the measure Wednesday on a 51-46 vote. It had already passed the Senate earlier this week.
Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch (R-West Salem) says changes were needed to close a $527 million hole in the current state budget. The Speaker says Wisconsin and its residents are facing tough financial times, and action was needed to address the problems from the budget shortfall.
The bill faced harsh criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. State Representative Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) was among those who argued that lawmakers should be focusing on overspending, rather than just pushing off the current problems to the next budget cycle.
Madison Democrat Spencer Black attacked a plan to re-finance $209 million in tobacco settlement funds. He argued it could result in major fiscal problems down the road, if the settlement money falls short.
The bill now heads to the Governor, who could use his veto pen to make changes.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:10)
