Budgets show real priorities

Show me a budget, and I’ll tell you what your priorities are. Where you dedicate resources shows what you value most. Governor Evers’ state budget proposal for the next biennium shows his priorities are serving the people of Wisconsin. 

This budget was drafted to address the needs of the people of this state who have been left behind. It puts people over politics. When we put people first, we can achieve great things, and we can create opportunity and prosperity for our friends and neighbors. 

In Wisconsin, we have a history of putting the needs of our community at the forefront of our public policy. This progressive tradition is needed now more than ever as we face serious challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now more than ever, we need to hear the needs of the people and act to address them.

The most important job of public servants is listening to those you serve. I have heard from people in my district asking for what Governor Evers has included in his budget: lower prescription drug costs, expanding access to healthcare, funding public schools, affordable childcare, legalizing recreational and medicinal cannabis, supporting small businesses during the pandemic, fostering economic growth in our communities, supporting our farmers, and so much more. This budget is a culmination of earnestly listening and responding to the everyday needs of ordinary Wisconsinites across our state.

To my Republican colleagues who have already voiced their opposition to many of these provisions: you cannot govern by ignoring the will of the people. People all over the state have been asking, begging, for these things because it will impact their lives significantly. These are the people we represent. It is time we listen to those who have helped shape this budget by raising their voices.