The Joint Finance Committee began hearings on Gov. Scott Walker's biennial budget Tuesday by listening to testimony from heads of agencies on how the budget affects them and what changes they recommend.
""Now is our opportunity as a finance committee to start digging in and seeing what we think about some of the things we have,"" Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, said. ""This is an opportunity to talk to every agency and give them a chance to summarize their portion of the budget, the highlights, maybe some of the challenges.""
Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson, representing the judicial branch, decried parts of the bill that would transfer control of revenue generated by court programs to the Department of Administration, including court case scheduling, jury management and data interfaces.
""A major concern we have with the budget bill is with provisions that adversely affect the judicial branch as an independent, separate and co-equal branch of government,"" Abrahamson said.
Department of Administration Secretary Mike Huebsch applauded the budget for fixing Wisconsin's structural deficit and making the state more business-friendly.
""This balanced budget isn't just about dollars in and dollars out. It's a blueprint for promoting investment in Wisconsin-based businesses and laying the groundwork for 250,000 new jobs,"" Huebsch said.
Department of Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett commended budget increases—part of which comes from absorbing the Wisconsin Art Board, that will increase economic activity—but still falls short of his $15 million goal.
After the hearings, Sen. Lena Taylor, D-Milwaukee, criticized the budget for eliminating the Earned Income Tax Credit for working families and the Wisconsin Justice Information Sharing program, which would threaten federal aid.
""A one day review of the Walker budget shows just how untruthful and desperate for power the governor is,"" Taylor said in a statement. ""Complete lies to the people about not raising taxes, poor decision, and just plain disregard for the rule of law in all his actions are represented in this budget.""
