Assembly passes budget
The State Assembly passed its version of the next state budget early Saturday -- a budget Republicans opposed because of what they said was a record $2.1 billion in tax and fee increases over the next two years.
The 50-48 vote that passed the budget came at 5:20 a.m., after more than nine hours of debate.
Independent Rep. Jeff Wood, of Chetek, voted with 49 Democrats for the budget. Democratic Reps. Bob Ziegelbauer, of Manitowoc, and Peggy Krusick of Milwaukee joined 46 Republicans who opposed it. First-term Rep. Nick Milroy (D-Superior) returned home Friday because of a family medical emergency.
Democrats, in control of the Assembly for the first time in 14 years, killed more than 100 changes offered by Republicans.
The vote sent the $62.2-billion spending package to the Senate, which is also controlled by Democrats. Senate leaders hope to pass their version of a budget next week, clearing the way for leaders to quickly resolve differences between the two houses of the Legislature.
Jun 14, 2009 at 5:29 p.m.
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Read page 5 of Sundays Gazette about the $62 billion budget plan. We are going to pay through the nose on this deal.
1. I do not drink or smoke, but why raise cigarette tax by 75 cents a pack when they just raised it a dollar not very long ago. Why don't they raise tax on a bottle or a can of beer $1.75. Cigarettes don't cause drunk drivers and kill people on the road. They talk about 2nd hand smoke, how about all those drunk drivers that kill everyday.
2. Create more tax on oil company and they can pass 4 cents per gallon back to us. Gas is high enough now so now they can pass more tax on us.
3. On top of list raise taxes and fees. We pay enough now.
4. Impose 75 cents per month on all cell phones.
5. CREATE A DRIVERS CARD FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS THAT WOULD ALLOW THEM TO DRIVE. WHAT A FARCE.
I've always voted democrat for a long long time but I can see what happens when the take control. It goes to their head big time.
Jun 13, 2009 at 11:22 p.m.
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The cuts are easy for politicans to say..."we wanted to spend ten dollars but only spent 9 dollars, we cut our budget 10% aren't we great!". Increasing the size of the budget (spending) and huge increases in collections (TAXES!) is another example of rotten government; who is in charge of this mess?
Jun 13, 2009 at 8:55 p.m.
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I keep hearing of how they cut the budget. At $62B, it is the biggest one yet. It sure is a pretty good trick to cut something and have it get bigger.
Jun 13, 2009 at 8:09 p.m.
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Doyle and his shady dealing and 'slight of hand' over the past several years has led us to this tax (hole.) He has screwed Wisconsin business at every turn of the wheel. God help us this next year and a half under his thieving reign.
Jun 13, 2009 at 7:48 p.m.
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Wow....$2.1 billion is a lot of money.
And to think Sheridan talked about improving the way things are done under the dome. Passing a budget at 5:20 a.m.???? Ridiculous!
Jun 13, 2009 at 4:28 p.m.
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Sounds like business as usual.
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