Republican frustrations over a lack of progress on the state's $63 billion budget came to a head Tuesday afternoon, as GOP lawmakers began venting on the Assembly floor.
Majority Democrats have yet to reveal how they plan to resolve differences between the Senate and Assembly versions of the plan, approved in both chambers over a week ago. State Representative Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah) blasted leaders for shutting Republicans out of the process by meeting behind closed doors.
With Democrats in control of both houses, State Representative Mike Huebsch (R-West Salem) says they should have no trouble reaching a deal.
Minority Leader Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Horicon) also pointed out that the state will lose federal dollars if Democrats can't reach a deal soon. The state could lose out on federal Medicaid money if the budget is not approved by July 1st.
Meanwhile, Representative Huebsch also accused the majority and the governor of being hypocrites, after Governor Doyle called for a special session so lawmakers can approve legislation to re-estimate the hospital assessment. Huebsch says Democrats rejected plans during the last budget negotiations to take up parts of the package separately.
Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker (D-Weston) has said the Senate will not meet Wednesday, despite the governor's request. In a statement, Decker says they still plan to have the budget passed on time.
