Mayor Cieslewicz expressed strong concern about the proposed changes in the shared revenue program, but was overall satisfied with Gov. Doyle's state budget proposal.
\Governor Doyle's budget is a responsible approach to addressing the state's $1.6 billion deficit, but I have significant concerns about how the restructuring of parts of the shared revenue program may impact basic city services,"" Cieslewicz said in a statement.
The proposed changes in the shared revenue program address how state aid is distributed to the municipalities.
Last year Madison received $6 million in financial support from the Expenditure Restraint Program, which is part of the Shared Revenue Program. But Gov. Doyle's proposal might make it difficult for Madison to get the same level of aid in coming years.
""Under the Governor's proposal it would be much more difficult to qualify for this program. We would have to make major cuts in our city tax levy which would mean cuts in services"" George Twigg, Cieslewicz's spokesperson told The Daily Cardinal.
It is uncertain how much financial support Madison would lose under Gov. Doyle's plan, and which basic services, such as fire- and police protection, garbage pick-ups and snow plowing would suffer.
The State Budget proposal is just the first step in a long process and according to Twigg, the Mayor's office will work hard to make sure that Madison's citizens get the best possible deal.
""We are hopeful that the legislature and the administration will see the importance of Madison and the importance we place on the variety and high level service to residents, and that we will get some changes made,"" said Twigg.
