Biennial Budget Signed into Law
With this week containing the conclusion of Wisconsin’s fiscal year, the legislature officially sent the biennial budget proposal to the Governor’s desk where it was signed into law.
The legislature’s most prominent responsibility is writing the biennial budget, and it brings its fair share of negotiations and hardship. Nevertheless, a proposal that invests in our needs, maintains fiscal stability and reasonably lowers the tax burden was passed by both chambers.
Notably, the budget contains the following provisions beneficial to Northeast Wisconsin:
- Provides $20 million for the Port of Green Bay development, aiding with the coal piles relocation
- Allocates $30 million for the I-41 Southern Bridge Connector project
- Invests $150 million in continued rural roads improvement
- Supports 7 additional Assistant District Attorneys for Brown County
- Approves additional funding for Dairy Processor Grants
- Designates $732 million in additional bonding authority for the Environmental Improvement Fund, allowing communities to take out low-interest loans to support local clean water initiatives
I look forward to detailing each category in subsequent updates to provide a look into the many inclusions. Today, however, it is great to see this process conclude after months of discussions and progress.
GBCI Decommissioning Date Vetoed
Included in the legislature’s budget bill was a proposal supported by myself, State Representative Benjamin Franklin, and State Senator Eric Wimberger to include a decommissioning date for the Green Bay Correctional Institution (GBCI).
Unfortunately, this provision fell victim to the Governor’s line item veto. It is incredibly disappointing that after months of hard work on putting together this bipartisan legislation, the Governor chose to use his power to strike out the 2029 decommissioning date for GBCI. Formalizing the date into state law would’ve ensured decisive action be taken to solve this longstanding issue and prevented the bureaucratic delays that have plagued this situation for far too long.
Only in government would four and a half years be too short of a deadline to finalize the closure of a crumbling building. Sadly, Governor Evers caved to the bureaucrats who constantly find ways to take twice as long and spend twice as much to achieve our state’s goals. While another opportunity and deadline has come and gone, I remain committed to getting this facility closed.
Happy Independence Day!
Today, we join together in recognition of the significance of July 4th, 1776. On this day 249 years ago, our founders made the brave choice of declaring our independence and sparking a movement for justice, liberty, and prosperity.
This inspiring display of courage serves as a reminder to proudly uphold the ideals of the Declaration of Independence, knowing that these values will continue to shape an even brighter and more promising future. I encourage you all to spend today with family and community, cherishing the spirit and boldness of Independence Day.
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Contact Me
My office is always available to help with any state-related questions or concerns you may have. You can reach my office at (608) 237-9104, or email me at Rep.Steffen@legis.wisconsin.
