Budget debate is underway in the Wisconsin state Senate. Joint Finance Committee co-chair, Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills), said the spending plan will boost entrepreneurship and the state’s still struggling economy. She said the state is unequivocally already better off. “You look at how we were two years ago, to how we are today, we are significantly in a better place, and we are significantly positioned to go forward, to create jobs,” Darling said.
“This budget doubles down on the failed policies of the past, and it benefits well-connected special interests at the expense of our children, working families and seniors,” said Senator Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse), who described the bill as “a road map to mediocrity.”
“People are working longer hours for less money,” said Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton). “So are we better off then we were two years ago? No we’re not.”
Democrats are offering numerous amendments which is expected to extend debate into the evening hours. Democrats will offer a host of amendments, which should extend debate into the evening hours. The Assembly passed the budget after almost no debate on Wednesday.