Republican leaders in Madison are announcing that they will use some of the increased revenue projections to increase spending from the levels proposed by Governor Walker.
The following reaction is from Brett Healy, President of the John K. MacIver Institute for Public Policy:
“This is extremely disappointing. To finance these programs, no matter how worthy or popular they are, with projected ‘new’ monies is irresponsible and exactly the type of behavior that led Wisconsin to its current fiscal crisis. We cannot afford all of the programs and spending that we have now. Hence the $3.6 billion dollar DEFICIT!
“If lawmakers believe these programs are so important, they could make enough cuts elsewhere to cover these increases. It’s called prioritization, and it is what they are paid to do. We are deeply in debt to the State of Minnesota, the Patients’ Compensation fund and the federal government. We should pay our bills first. Maybe the Finance Committee will offer such a cost-cutting motion, but I’m not going to hold my breath waiting for it.
“This announcement is a step backwards on the march toward fiscal sanity at the State Capitol. Let’s hope it is only a temporary set back.”
