The state's largest police union is applauding the Governor and legislative leaders' plan to raise cell phone 911 surcharges by $.75 a month. Jim Palmer, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association , says with a nearly a $7 billion state budget deficit and shared revenue cuts , "tough times require tough decisions." He says by redeploying the 911 money, policy makers will ensure the quality of public safety is not diminished and fire fighters and police officers do not lose their jobs.
Critics of the plan say it is essentially a tax increase that along with other fee increases, will cause Wisconsinites to fork over $100 million over the next two years.
The legislature's budget writing committee will take up a proposal as early as Thursday.