Dems plan unofficial state budget hearing
ROCK TOWNSHIP — Democrats are holding their own state budget hearings around the state, including one at Blackhawk Technical College on Wednesday, April 20.
Democrats have been critical that the Republican-controlled Legislature scheduled only four public hearings on Gov. Scott Walker's 2011-13 budget proposal.
Hundreds have attended the official hearings, and some have been turned away or told they could submit only written testimony.
Democrats invited the local Republican Assembly members to the hearing at BTC. They also invited some Democratic legislators who are not from the immediate area.
Invited to attend are Sen. Tim Cullen, D-Janesville; Assembly Minority Leader Rep. Peter Barca, D-Kenosha; Rep. Andy Jorgensen, D-Fort Atkinson; Rep. Janis Ringhand, D-Evansville; Rep. Sondy Pope-Roberts, D-Middleton; Rep. Sandy Pasch, D-Whitefish Bay; Rep. Joe Knilans, R-Janesville; Rep. Amy Loudenbeck, R-Clinton; and Rep. Evan Wynn, R-Whitewater.
A Wynn aide said Wynn could not attend because of prior commitments. The Gazette received no response from Knilans' office.
Loudenbeck plans to attend at least part of the hearing at BTC, "if her schedule allows," an aide said.
Loudenbeck has her own "budget listening session" Tuesday in Beloit, and Wynn and Knilans are expected to attend.
As for the Assembly members from out of the area, "many legislators are visiting other districts to hear what people have to say," a Cullen aide said.
IF YOU GO
What: An unofficial public hearing on the 2011-13 state budget, sponsored by Democratic legislators
When: 1-6 p.m. Wednesday, April 20.
Where: North Commons at Blackhawk Technical College, 6004 S. County G, Rock Township.
Alternative: Rep. Amy Loudenbeck, R-Clinton, will hold a "budget listening session" from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Beloit Public Library, 605 Eclipse Blvd., Beloit.
Apr 18, 2011 at 8:02 a.m.
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I had no idea that we had so many aristocrats in the Janesville area. Wealthy. That's impressive. The only reason people would want to vote GOP is to protect their own interests, right? Which means their wealthy. Otherwise it'd be like chickens voting for Colonel Sanders.
Apr 15, 2011 at 3:38 p.m.
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These are just going to be a bash fest for dems. The dems saw fit to leave the official public hearings early. One of the democratic lawmakers at the official public hearings was actually caught engaging in fund raising activities DURING the hearing! They are such a joke. Any citizen that thinks the democrats work in the best interest of "the workin man" is a fool.
Apr 15, 2011 at 3:01 p.m.
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At least the dems are willing to let the people in the area express their concerns and ask questions. How many had the chance to get to one of the 4 sites from southern Wi?
Apr 15, 2011 at 11:41 a.m.
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Why do the Democrats need to hold their own unofficial budget hearing? That doesn't make sense to me. Four public hearings aren't enough? Or are they just going to use it to bash Walker? They leave the state to delay passing of the bill. Now they want a say as to how many budget hearings there should be. What do they expect?
Apr 15, 2011 at 9:57 a.m.
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From what I have heard the dem legislative members were the first to leave a public meeting up north, well before the meeting ended or all the people were heard...shame shame shame.
Apr 15, 2011 at 9:38 a.m.
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The Union's were short on funds for another Illinois retreat , so they are stuck in Wisconsin....
Apr 15, 2011 at 9:37 a.m.
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I for one am glad they took the stand they did to bring nationwide attention to the jerk and his policies, his lies and deciet.Need more teachers.lol. he admitted yesterday that collective bargaining wasn't in his campaign and that it did NOTHING to help balance the buget, purely a personal choice on his part.
Apr 14, 2011 at 8:12 p.m.
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I'm sure they would like to, Tenacious. Maybe that resort in Rockford was booked that day. That or they think they may have to conserve their funds for the next time they need to Escape Wisconsin. You know, for the budget vote I'm sure they'll all hate that's coming soon.
Apr 14, 2011 at 6:24 p.m.
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Why don't they hold their meeting in Illinois?
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