MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The Wisconsin State Legislature is ready once again begin the often contentious part of writing new laws and forming a new state budget.
It all starts today in Madison and politicians on both sides of the aisle hope legislators can work together to address issues facing Wisconsin.
“The Republicans are probably going to have their ideas,” Representative Lee Snodgrass said. “I’m really, really hopeful that we might have some of the same goals and find a way to come together.”
“I want to be optimistic that we can move forward on things that we can agree on and civilly disagree on the rest and work as best for the overall population as we can,” State Senator Robert Cowles said.
But there will still be plenty of debate in the Republican-controlled legislature. Cowles will be fighting for issues brought to him by his constituents. He hopes communication is improved in the next term.
“I think it’s positive that the leaders are talking with the Governor now,” Cowles said. “That was quite minimal in his first four years. That’s a good start.”
Snodgrass said she’ll be supporting plans to address issues facing schools and municipalities. Lawmakers will decide how to spend the record high surplus.
“There’s not gonna really be an excuse for not being able to fund something this time around,” Snodgrass said. “We have the money to fund it and to support everything that needs help.”
When asked about the budget, Governor Tony Evers said his plans include an increase for school funding. Snodgrass said schools need that help.
“Public schools obviously have really been hit hard,” Snodgrass said. “We have issues with mental health supports that we need to do. We have classrooms. We need to do a better job recruiting and supporting those.”
While Cowles hopes schools receive more funding, he expects it to be less than what Evers is projecting.
“The public school system should be treated fairly and they have a whole flock of problems,” Cowles said. “The Governor I think is asking for two billion. I think the legislature will do something less.”
Evers’ goals also include marijuana legalization. Snodgrass supports the measure as well.
“That’s something that could allow us to really compete with our neighboring states in a fiscal way and it allows us to keep us safe while we’re regulating it.”
Cowles says that issue is more of a matter of policy than spending.
“I can consider medical marijuana but that would have to be a separate bill and whether that comes to a vote on the floor of the senate is anybody’s guess right now,” Cowles said.
The state budget surplus is expected to be over $6 billion.
