Majority Democrats in the state Senate met on Friday to put their finishing touches on a $58 billion budget.
They intend to take the budget to the floor next week, according to Senate President Fred Risser (D-Madison). He says the version the Senate will pass will include several of the tax increases Governor Doyle had asked for. That includes controversial taxes on big oil and Wisconsin hospitals. Risser also expects a $1.25 per pack increase in the cigarette tax to be included in the budget.
The Madison Democrat says its unrealistic to think the state will continue to provide its current level of services, if it doesn't get more money.