Republican parts ways with Walker’s recycling cuts

Governor Scott Walker’s proposed state budget would eliminate the state recycling mandate and funding for recycling programs. State Representative John Nygren of Marinette has been hearing from people in his district. “I’ve not only been hearing from mayors and city council members of my communities that I represent, but also constituents,” Nygren said. “The recycling program us something that’s been around for a long time, it’s supported by the public.” And while Walker’s budget would eliminate the mandate, state law would still require individuals to recycle and prohibits anyone from mixing recyclable materials with refuse. Nygren doesn’t see that changing. “Society has changed over the last 20 years. There is an expectation now that we do recycle. It’s good for environment, I think it makes good fiscal sense.” Nygren is a member of the Joint Committee on Finance which will soon begin public hearings on the governor’s budget.