Republicans on the building commission rejected all of Gov. Tony Evers capital budget recommendations. Some of those proposals rejected included funding for a cancer research center, upgrades to UW campuses and funding for youth prisons.
The building commission is compiled of Republican and Democratic lawmakers and is chaired byGov. Evers.
Republican leadership sent Evers a letter before the meeting Wednesday afternoon calling his proposed $2 billion in borrowing “unrealistic and unsustainable.” They asked Evers to work with them to pass a more sustainable plan.
Evers called Republicans move a “disappointment” as it’s rare for lawmakers on the commission to reject moving forward a capital budget.
His capital budget recommended 82 building projects, all members voted along party lines.
“Never before members of the commission failed to recommend a capital budget to the legislature the commission has never abandoned our responsibility and duty,” said Sen. Janis Ringhand (D-Evansville).
Republican members argue it’s just too expensive and the amount of borrowing is alarming.
“Our caucus has concerns with the level of bonding, if you want to talk about history this is the largest capital budget in history,” said Rep. Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam).
This sets up another disagreement at the statehouse as both sides attempt to get things done in divided government.
To read more go to WKOW: https://wkow.com/news/top-stories/2019/03/20/building-commission-to-vote-on-evers-capital-budget/