With the legislature poised to take up the next two year state spending plan next week, the state Assembly has passed a measure allocating part of a projected $636 million in extra revenue to pay off things like money taken from the Patients Compensation Fund. Minority Leader Peter Barca of Kenosha had a little fun with what’s been dubbed ‘the bill to pay the bills’. “If I’m counting right, this our fourth budget adjustment act in fives months,” said Barca. “Pretty remarkable.”
Democrats offered two amendments, to pay mutual aid bills to local governments who’ve provided extra security at the Capitol, and to restore cuts to the state recycling program. Both were rejectecd as Republican Representative Robin Vos said the GOP wanted to leave some cushion. “I know that people on the other side are used to being in deficit, but we are trying not to do that,” said Vos. The plan had been for the Senate to pass the bill on Wednesday as well, but that chamber adjourned about ten minutes prior to the Assembly 82-12 vote on passage.
