Gov. Scott Walker began to reveal a series of budget policies Monday that will not be included in his upcoming budget proposals.
The first proposal Walker said he will not put forth is any type of tax increase. Walker said past budgets have included a variety of tax increases that have hurt the economy.
""After years of tax increases, Wisconsin residents, families, and job creators need reprieve,"" Walker said in a statement. ""Keeping money in the hands of people, who will make wise spending decisions and reinvest in the private sector, will ultimately lead to economic growth and job creation.""
Walker also said segregated fund raids will not be included in his budget proposals. According to Walker, in past budgets, different programs such as the
Transportation Fund have been used to pay for unrelated state expenditures.
During the 2004-'05 biennium, the state government took $26.5 million from the UW System's Auxiliary Fund to balance its budget.
Walker said these types of policies have caused the current $3.6 billion budget deficit.
Rep. Terese Berceau, D-Madison, does not think Walker has been specific enough with his budget plans.
""During the upcoming budget debate, it is incumbent on elected leaders to be open, honest, and direct about the challenges we face and the steps we need to take to address them, instead of hiding behind gimmicky press releases saying what won't be done,"" Berceau said in a press release.
—Adam Wollner
