A new report from the largest public employees' union says Wisconsin is one of 28 states that will face a budget shortfall next year. John Noonan with AFSCME International says Congress can pass at least two measures that would help fill some of the gap.
One measure would increase federal matching aid for state Medicare payments. He says another measure would offer up to 13-billion in state aid. He says it won't make up the entire shortfall but can be a catalyst for jobs.
State Representative Donna Seidel (D-Wausau) says both measures would restore cuts Congress has made to state services. Seidel admits state lawmakers have a role to play in shoring up the budget deficit but Congress also has a responsibility.
"We want to do everything we can here in Wisconsin to keep this economy healthy and thriving but we can't do it alone."
Seidel says Wisconsin is facing a projected 650-million dollar deficit next year. She says the state might be forced to raise taxes and cut even more services if it doesn't get some federal help.
(Contributed by Matt Lehman – WSAU)