MADISON, Wis. (WRN) — A proposal to spend down some of Wisconsin’s projected budget surplus was approved by the legislature’s joint finance committee on Tuesday.
Republican co-chair Mark Born says the 1 point 8 billion dollar deal is thanks to Republican stewardship.
“The fact is, this bill provides immediate relief to the taxpayers of Wisconsin. That was the key part of negotiations for us. We’re happy we were able to get there in these bipartisan negotiations with the governor,” Born said.
But Democrats on the committee voted against the plan. Mequon Representative Deb Andraca says Republicans turned down a more cost effective plan earlier in the session.
“That costs a fraction of what we’re talking about here, index special education is 60%, is self sufficient, provides property tax relief, that would have provided a long-term solution, but you guys never gave it a public hearing,” Andraca said.
The deal passed the JFC on a split 12 to 4 vote between Republicans and Democrats. It could be voted on as soon as Wednesday in the Assembly and Senate.