Editor’s note: The following commentary has been issued by State Rep. Scott Johnson, who represents Assemble District 33. The full text of the commentary is below.
State Rep. Scott Johnson, Assembly District 33, issued the following statement regarding Wednesday’s budget address given by Gov. Tony Evers.
“After a hard fought campaign in 2022, I, like many of my colleagues, was prepared to work in a bipartisan manner with the Evers Administration to get things done for the people of Wisconsin. Sadly, the governor failed at such an opportunity. What we were presented with last night was nothing short of a wish list.
“By definition a budget is, ‘a spending plan based on income and expenses.’ Quite frankly, what we heard last night was not a budget, but rather a laundry list of policy initiatives with a humongous price tag. If we were to approve all the items proposed, tax increases would have to be made, costing Wisconsin taxpayers nearly $1.4 billion.
“I believed Gov. Evers to be sincere when acknowledging that the past year has been hard on Wisconsinites. Rather than look forward with a plan that offsets inflation and creates other avenues for local production and trade, we are handed a map that sends our state into an ocean of debt. This is not the direction we can go.
“When I campaigned for this office I said I wanted to address how we can fix our crumbling infrastructure like our roads. Help our children get caught up in school after being locked out of the classroom. Rein in wasteful spending, while also finding ways to help our most vulnerable, like our seniors and veterans.
“My Republican colleagues and I will continue to fight for every man, woman, and child of this great state. We will have a budget that is responsible, fair, and balanced. A budget that will reflect the values of Wisconsinites throughout our state. I look forward to working with my colleagues over the next several months on a budget, but I most look forward to hearing from my constituents as to what their priorities are. We have a very unique opportunity to provide people relief from inflation, while investing in major subjects of importance like education, roads, public safety, and building up our workforce.
“The governor and his consultants want to play with your money. But Republicans here in the Legislature are committed to doing what is best for you, the taxpayer.
“We can do better. We must do better. We will do better.”
Johnson can be reached by phone: 608-237-9133 or email: rep.Johnson@legis.wisconsin.gov.
Scott Johnson
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