Republicans in the state Senate hope to strip policy items and earmarks out of the budget.
State Senator Dan Kapanke (R-La Crosse) and fellow Republicans plan to offer an amendment that would remove earmark spending and non-fiscal policy items from the $62 billion. He says those items don't belong in the budget, when the state is facing tough economic times.
Items targeted for removal include creating a state domestic partner registry and $5 million for improvements to the Bradley Center. Kapanke says some of those measures may be needed, but they don't belong in the budget. The La Crosse Republican says they should be debated on their own as separate bills.
Even though Democrats control the Senate and the amendment is likely to fail, Kapanke says it's still worth trying. He says there needs to be a floor debate and a vote on those issues.
The Senate is expected to vote on the state budget Wednesday afternoon.
