Advocacy Groups Rally for Budget Revisions in Wisconsin
Madison, Wis. — A coalition of advocacy groups gathered at the Wisconsin State Capitol on Tuesday, united in their demand for a state budget that addresses the essential needs of residents. This “Day of Action” included participants from organizations such as Citizen Action of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Public Education Network, who are seeking commitments from Governor Tony Evers to safeguard certain budgetary priorities.
In light of newly adopted legislative maps and narrower margins in government, the groups urged the governor to wield his veto power to incite deeper negotiations, hoping to avoid budget cuts affecting critical services. Key requests include the expansion of BadgerCare, increased funding for public education, a halt to new prison constructions, and enhanced support for childcare services.
Timothy Faust, Healthcare Campaign Coordinator for Citizen Action Wisconsin, expressed concern over the budget proposal’s deterioration, urging Evers to maintain a firm stance against any plan lacking these vital provisions. “It’s getting hacked to pieces,” he remarked.
Participants, like Dustin Johnson and his mother Chris Gordon, shared personal experiences illustrating the critical nature of Medicaid and other support services. “The support he gets through Medicaid has been critical to his success,” Gordon emphasized, advocating for those who rely on similar assistance.
Public education emerged as a paramount issue, with calls for increased funding and proper reimbursement for special education. Heather DuBois Bourenane, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Public Education Network, highlighted the feedback gathered from community hearings, asserting, “That’s what lawmakers heard at every single one of the budget hearings.”
Meanwhile, Governor Evers addressed budget negotiations positively, indicating ongoing discussions with Republican leaders. He expressed hope that an agreement would be reached by the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, thereby avoiding funding stagnation.
The advocacy groups collectively scheduled approximately 45 meetings with lawmakers to further their agenda, emphasizing a shared commitment to ensuring equitable support for all Wisconsinites.
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