Updated Funding for EMS and Fire Services
There is good news for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Fire Services funding in the 4th Assembly District and the entire state.
One of the most discussed and prominent policy items last session was the shared revenue package for local funding. Included in the enacted law was an increase in the Department of Health Services Funding Assistance program for EMS and Fire Services. Legislators throughout the state heard about this struggle, so I’m thrilled we were able to get momentum behind these efforts.
The shared revenue agreement made this funding ongoing, ensuring more stability and certainty for our localities. Depicted below are the increases for some local EMS and Fire Services who were notified earlier this month about their accepted application for DHS funding assistance. This comes on top of their typically allocated budget funding and can bolster these essential services for the people of the 4th Assembly District.
New Analysis of Governor’s Budget Proposal
The non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau reported this week (see image above) that the Governor’s budget request includes $2.7 billion in net tax and fee increases. The proposal also raises spending by 20%, leading to a structural deficit beyond this biennium.
Maintaining our fiscal stability requires reasoned and sound budgeting. Wisconsin has ongoing spending commitments, such as Medicaid and shared revenue, which will consume segments of new revenue or surpluses. Moreover, we have one-time surplus funds that we can utilize not for more ongoing commitments but for necessary one-time expenditures.
Legislative Republicans will halt the Governor’s tax and spend agenda which will grow the size of government, increase the overall tax burden, and risk Wisconsin’s business climate and fiscal sustainability. We have proven we can craft a fiscally responsible budget to address important needs while delivering meaningful tax relief, and we plan to do so again.
Upcoming Election Day
I am once again reminding you that there is an election in Wisconsin on Tuesday, April 1st. The final day for early voting is Friday, March 28th.
There are two statewide offices on the ballot: Justice of the State Supreme Court, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Importantly, your ballot will also include a statewide referendum for a constitutional amendment.
If passed, the amendment will enshrine the state’s current voter photo ID requirement into the constitution. This would maintain the requirement that Wisconsin voters present a valid photo ID to vote in any election, subject to exceptions, and prevent a state court from overturning the requirement. Passage of this amendment would mean that our current law would become a written section of the State Constitution.
You can still register to vote at your polling location on Election Day, Tuesday, April 1st. Find your polling location and a sample ballot here: https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/.
Follow Along on Facebook
Want to hear more about what’s going on in Madison and the district? Follow my Facebook page for weekly updates and to learn more about bills, events, and efforts I’m involved in. Find my Facebook page here: facebook.com/RepSteffen/.
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 [email protected].
