Notes from the West Wing
By
State Representative Garey Bies
State Budget and Indian Gaming
On Tuesday, February 18th, Governor Jim Doyle introduced the 2003-2005 State Budget, his plan to fix the budget deficit. For this installment of the Notes from the West Wing, I’d like to talk briefly about what I heard at the Governor’s budget address and what I have learned so far.
First, I am looking forward to working with the Governor in a constructive manner to fix the budget deficit. At this point I am for the most part encouraged and pleased by what I have learned. Many of the points made by Governor Doyle during his budget speech were quite promising. Frankly, a lot of what he proposes is exactly what I have suggested would be the best way to get Wisconsin out of its budget woes.
Those of you who have contacted my office to talk to me about the budget, or who have run into me at local events know that I firmly believe the proper way to eliminate the budget deficit is to reduce costs by streamlining government and cutting spending. Relying on the taxpayers is not the answer.
Inefficiencies can be found throughout Wisconsin’s state government. The government has grown far too large with multiple agencies providing the same services. The Governor’s budget plan actually eliminates several state agencies through consolidation. Elimination of duplicative services in this way will greatly enhance the efficiency of state government.
The budget also proposes spending cuts for all state agencies. By limiting the budgets for these state agencies, the budget will force the agencies to identify and implement effective cost-cutting measures.
While my initial reaction to the state budget is positive, I don’t mean to convey that I’m ready to approve it as is. The legislature has only had an opportunity to review the budget for a couple of days! It is going to take just a little bit longer than that to go through the numbers! The non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau has begun their analysis of the budget. Their work will last approximately 4 weeks and will identify potential shortfalls. It will be the responsibility of the Legislature plug any holes.
The Governor has reiterated his promise not to raise taxes in this budget. That is a worthy goal and I applaud him for it. But the promise doesn’t ring true if his budget forces municipalities to increase their taxes or school districts to increase the property tax. Of concern is the Governor eliminating 2/3-support of public schools and eliminating the spending limits on school districts. These provisions likely will lead to an increase of the local property tax. A return to the rampant property tax increases of the days before the spending limits is a scary thought.
But as I have said, it is far too early to give a definitive thumbs up or down to this budget. I know many may already be decrying the budget, but until I have a chance to review the work of the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, I am going to approach this proposal with cautious optimism.
I also want to briefly talk about the recently revealed Oneida Indian Gaming Compacts. The legislature learned this week that shortly before presentation of the budget, the Governor sealed a deal with the Oneida Indian Tribe to approve a gaming compact that would last forever. What a shock that was! While it is true that currently the Governor has sole authority to approve the contracts, we in the Legislature would have liked to be at least consulted in regards to the compacts. Such a compact will have far-reaching impact on Wisconsin. How did the Governor, having been in office for less than two months, determine what the appropriate gaming compact will be 10, 20, 50 years from now?
Now, as I mentioned, the Governor does have the ability to approve the compacts. But in light of such a major decision, the Legislature would like to have some input. After all, Governor Doyle is on record many times, over a period of many years, stating that the Legislature should have an input on the gaming compacts. Even as recently as December 30th, 2002, less than 2 months ago, Doyle said that the Legislature should have some input on tribal gambling issues. Yet now he negotiates behind closed doors. I think the legislature should at least be able to review and comment on a gaming compact that will last forever.
As always, if you have questions or comments on this column or any other topic you might see or read in the news, I can be reached by e-mail at Rep.Bies@legis.state.wi.us or by telephone, toll-free at 1-888-482-0001.