The following comments from area legislators were submitted as reactions to Gov. Scott Walker's budget address Tuesday:
Sen. Howard Marklein, R-Spring Green:
"I am committed to a fiscally-responsible budget that holds the line on taxes while maintaining the high quality of state services that are provided to our citizens. As a member of the Joint Finance Committee, I look forward to starting the budget process.
"I am encouraged to see increased sparsity and transportation aid for rural schools. A University of Wisconsin tuition freeze is also beneficial for students across the state. I am also encouraged by grants that foster economic development and broadband access in rural areas.
"While we protect the taxpayers of Wisconsin, I also want to ensure that the most vulnerable citizens in our state are being cared for and that necessary services are being provided. I am certain that the budget process will yield a plan that creates jobs, protects state services for those that need it most, and invests in our future.
"The introduction of the proposed budget by Gov. Walker marks the beginning of a long and fluid process. I remind my constituents that the proposals in the governor's budget are not set in stone. I encourage my constituents to share their opinions regarding the budget with me as we begin the process toward a final budget."
Rep. Todd Novak, R-Dodgeville:
"Tonight, Gov. Walker outlined a bold proposal to help continue moving our state forward. Using the governor's plans as our starting point, I look forward to reviewing our state's finances with my colleagues and finding ways to best invest in our priorities.
"It is essential that we have a sensible spending plan that invests in schools, builds on our growing economy, and protects the taxpayers of the state. I am excited to start working on my first state budget and will be looking for input from the people of the 51st district the next few weeks. As I work with my legislative colleagues to refine the governor's proposal, I'm confident we will ultimately pass a budget that reflects the priorities of southwest Wisconsin and the people of the 51st Assembly District."
Sen. Howard Marklein, R-Spring Green:
"I am committed to a fiscally-responsible budget that holds the line on taxes while maintaining the high quality of state services that are provided to our citizens. As a member of the Joint Finance Committee, I look forward to starting the budget process.
"I am encouraged to see increased sparsity and transportation aid for rural schools. A University of Wisconsin tuition freeze is also beneficial for students across the state. I am also encouraged by grants that foster economic development and broadband access in rural areas.
"While we protect the taxpayers of Wisconsin, I also want to ensure that the most vulnerable citizens in our state are being cared for and that necessary services are being provided. I am certain that the budget process will yield a plan that creates jobs, protects state services for those that need it most, and invests in our future.
"The introduction of the proposed budget by Gov. Walker marks the beginning of a long and fluid process. I remind my constituents that the proposals in the governor's budget are not set in stone. I encourage my constituents to share their opinions regarding the budget with me as we begin the process toward a final budget."
Rep. Todd Novak, R-Dodgeville:
"Tonight, Gov. Walker outlined a bold proposal to help continue moving our state forward. Using the governor's plans as our starting point, I look forward to reviewing our state's finances with my colleagues and finding ways to best invest in our priorities.
"It is essential that we have a sensible spending plan that invests in schools, builds on our growing economy, and protects the taxpayers of the state. I am excited to start working on my first state budget and will be looking for input from the people of the 51st district the next few weeks. As I work with my legislative colleagues to refine the governor's proposal, I'm confident we will ultimately pass a budget that reflects the priorities of southwest Wisconsin and the people of the 51st Assembly District."
