Over the past few months, Wisconsin has found itself at the center of national attention a number of times. The University of Wisconsin football team beating the undefeated and number-one ranked Ohio State University football team and President Obama's tour of several Manitowoc businesses last month are both notable examples. However, the story that takes the cake is Governor Walker's budget repair bill that has made Wisconsin the leading story in almost every nationwide newspaper and news program.
Governor Walker's budget repair bill is far-reaching and certainly unprecedented. We truly are making history here in Wisconsin. Hundreds of thousands of people from all over the state have emailed, called, and visited their legislators here in Madison.
I want to thank everyone, regardless of where they stand on this contentious issue, that has taken the time to contact my office and express their views. This has been a passionate and heartfelt debate, one in which there is no easy answer. And as controversial as the budget repair bill is, I assure you that we can expect more of the same when the governor introduces his 2011-13 state budget on March 1.
Everything is on the table. There will be across the board cuts and they will be deep. Nothing will be safe - and that includes education, corrections and health services. Like several of our neighboring states, Wisconsin is facing a fiscal deficit and we are going to need to come up with creative ways to do more with less. I look forward to learning the details of the governor's budget and am hopeful that he will be responsible with his cuts.
Public input is an essential part of the budget process. I plan on scheduling listening sessions throughout the district in the upcoming weeks and encourage all of you to attend.
If we have learned anything from the previous two weeks - it is that we need to start working together. Not only do we need to share our ideas, thoughts, and concerns, but we also need to listen to the ideas, thoughts and concerns of others. Although it seems like the most basic notion, many of us know, it is often forgotten.
As always, please feel free to contact my office regarding this or any other state legislative matter. I can be reached toll-free at 1-888-534-0080 or by email at Rep.Ringhand@legis.wi.gov.
- Rep. Janis Ringhand, D-Evansville, represents the 80th Assembly district. She can be reached at rep.ringhand@legis.wisconsin.gov or call (888) 534-0080.
Governor Walker's budget repair bill is far-reaching and certainly unprecedented. We truly are making history here in Wisconsin. Hundreds of thousands of people from all over the state have emailed, called, and visited their legislators here in Madison.
I want to thank everyone, regardless of where they stand on this contentious issue, that has taken the time to contact my office and express their views. This has been a passionate and heartfelt debate, one in which there is no easy answer. And as controversial as the budget repair bill is, I assure you that we can expect more of the same when the governor introduces his 2011-13 state budget on March 1.
Everything is on the table. There will be across the board cuts and they will be deep. Nothing will be safe - and that includes education, corrections and health services. Like several of our neighboring states, Wisconsin is facing a fiscal deficit and we are going to need to come up with creative ways to do more with less. I look forward to learning the details of the governor's budget and am hopeful that he will be responsible with his cuts.
Public input is an essential part of the budget process. I plan on scheduling listening sessions throughout the district in the upcoming weeks and encourage all of you to attend.
If we have learned anything from the previous two weeks - it is that we need to start working together. Not only do we need to share our ideas, thoughts, and concerns, but we also need to listen to the ideas, thoughts and concerns of others. Although it seems like the most basic notion, many of us know, it is often forgotten.
As always, please feel free to contact my office regarding this or any other state legislative matter. I can be reached toll-free at 1-888-534-0080 or by email at Rep.Ringhand@legis.wi.gov.
- Rep. Janis Ringhand, D-Evansville, represents the 80th Assembly district. She can be reached at rep.ringhand@legis.wisconsin.gov or call (888) 534-0080.
