As I See It
Is Wisconsin government doing budget listening sessions wrong?
One of the most important things Wisconsin’s state government does is create a two-year budget.
But is the state doing that wrong? Or at least, partially wrong?
Over the past month, Wisconsin’s Joint Finance Committee — which is disproportionally made up of 12 Republicans and 4 Democrats for some reason — held four budget-listening sessions in different corners of the state.
And by corners, I mean, none of them within two hours of La Crosse.
The purpose was to hear from constituents on what’s most important, as a state budget gets crafted. Or re-crafted.
There could be three or four versions of a state budget. Republicans have already said they’re throwing out Gov. Tony Evers’ version to craft their own.
Democrats themselves might craft one, too. I think last time, they crafted two, for some reason.
But should the governor and the legislature — after whatever budget gets sent to Evers’ desk for signature — go back to touring the state, and hear from Wisconsin residents about the actual budget?
It’s one thing to listen to priorities when there’s nothing to point at. It’s another, to hear from voters after you’ve potentially failed to include anything they’ve been asking for in the budget.
But Republicans hearing from the public — in person — for actual efforts they’re proposing in government isn’t really a thing right now.
As I see it, I’m Rick Solem.
Roy
May 7, 2025 at 9:19 am
Sir,
You said “For Some Reason” twice, and “I think” once.
Why not find out both, for sure, before you write these ramblings.
Your leader, Governor Evers, signed the new apportionment bill last year and yet you and Assemblyman Shelby Johnson have already decided the political map is unfair to Democrats.
Republicans, who have the majority in both the Senate and Assembly decide who is on various committees as Johnson is grudgingly learning.
Besides, open town meetings, thanks to Democrats, have been a bit unruly lately, and may become a thing of the past if you keep up your bad behavior.
Any constituent these days has no problem getting ahold of the elected officials through phone, email or letter if they have a concern. If they prefer to grandstand, register to speak in Madison.
You’ve been on this kick of the Legislature not being in session all year, like they’re not working enough (they are working in their office and in their districts) and allegedly too few “listening sessions” for far too long. Think of something else to talk about. Maybe female breasts now legal to expose in your state of residence.
Kevin
May 7, 2025 at 9:35 am
I personally don’t trust Evers after his 400 year line item veto stunt. I don’t know why people are not pissed off to the point of kicking his ass out over that bit of political gamesmanship.
He is a thief, and a liar.
Any budget presented to him will be corrupted.
walden
May 8, 2025 at 2:27 pm
Kevin it’s worse than that. The media is not reporting that the $325 per pupil increase was not only a record increase but that it is an accumulating amount over the base year. That is, $325 was the increase last year, $650 is the amount this year, $975 next year, followed by $1,300, and so on for 400 years!
The governor’s veto was an act of theft. And the local school boards either do not understand how this works are are complicit in hiding the effect of the funding increases. Why would they do that? Because no sane taxpayer would vote for these ridiculous school funding referendums knowing the truth.
Eric
May 7, 2025 at 2:09 pm
Too funny. Rick criticizing Republicans for not going to Town Halls in person. Then on Rick’s show he won’t take live phone calls! LG, R Head, Walden, Roy and Kevin what do you think of that coming from Rick?
Since Trump became President, live call ins on WIZM are a thing of the past.