Wisconsin Capitol (PHOTO: Jackie Johnson)
Democrats in southeastern Wisconsin say suburban Republicans should have consulted with those who represent the city of Milwaukee before unveiling a plan to fight poverty in their neighborhood.
Representative David Bowen (D-Milwaukee) says he’s “still digesting” the 25-page document from Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) and Representative Dale Kooyenga (R-Brookfield) that they unveiled on Wednesday. “I think it’s very important that those who’ve been elected in those districts are a part of that conversation,” he says, “So, I’m willing to have that conversation with my colleagues but I’m very disappointed that they did not reach out.”
Bowen was born and raised in Milwaukee. The former Milwaukee County Supervisor would love to sit down with his colleagues across the aisle and talk about bipartisan solutions that were not included in the report.
Struggling public schools would become charter schools, under the GOP package of proposals. Also, there would be corporate tax breaks for new businesses, and a localized version of right-to-work.
“The biggest issue that I see is that I’m ready to move forward on proven strategies to reduce poverty, not experiments.”
Bowen says addressing living wages is a proven method to help families struggling to get by, but notes it’s not included in the GOP proposal.
Bowen is hopeful this report will be the beginning of discussions on the difficulties faced by Milwaukeeans.
Governor Scott Walker says he needs to review the package before passing judgment.