June 17, 2009     

Statement on State Senate Budget Vote

“From the beginning of the budget process, my focus has been on producing a balanced, responsible spending plan that would help Wisconsin families deal with the very difficult economic conditions that our state and nation are facing after eight years of failed financial policies.  The bill we passed today closes a $6.6 billion deficit without raising income, sales or property taxes on any Wisconsin family that makes less than $300,000 per year.  It includes some of the most significant spending cuts in our state’s history, including a 3% across the board salary cut for state employees and nearly $1 billion less in state spending than the last budget.  Despite these serious cuts, this budget protects vital services that families count on every day and continues to make critical investments in our state’s infrastructure and our state’s economic development so that our economy can grow in the future.”