Here & Now

Fast Facts: Bipartisanship in the Budget

Zac Schultz:
As we continue to watch the budget process unfold, Marisa Wojcik brings us some areas where we might see compromise possible.

Marisa Wojcik:
Last Thursday, Governor Tony Evers introduced his first biennial budget to the full legislature and the people of Wisconsin.

Tony Evers:
This is the people’s budget.

Marisa Wojcik:
The budget’s first stop is the Republican-controlled legislature.

Scott Fitzgerald:
To me, it’s a 1,000-page press release, not a budget.

Marisa Wojcik:
Although division among Democrats and Republicans is familiar territory, there are a few areas where both sides can find common ground. For transportation spending, both sides agree that funds need to be generated, not borrowed. Evers proposed raising the gas tax by eight cents per gallon. He defends this hike by saying it will be offset by overriding an old law called the “minimum markup” which raises fuel prices across the board and prevents big retailers from undercutting smaller gas stations. Both of these solutions have been proposed in the past. On education, Evers proposed a K-12 education funding increase of $1.4 billion, allowing school districts to increase local property taxes. And he cited a Marquette Law School poll and statewide increases in local referendums for public school funding to defend this decision. His budget also continues a Walker-era tuition freeze for UW System schools. On criminal justice, some Republicans have shown support for increased compensation for public defenders, more resources for district attorneys and for the Department of Justice, issues that Evers also addressed in his budget. Overall, many of Evers’ initiatives might be the ideals of his supporters, but are non-starters for his partisan opponents in the legislature. But there is one issue that has less friction and more traction and that is homelessness. Last week Republicans introduced eight bills to address homelessness and Governor Tony Evers will chair a panel on this issue himself. For these and other fast facts, visit wpt.org.