GOP senators' rebuke of projected budget deficit tops week's most viewed

[hue]

http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/gop-senators-rebuke-of-projected-budget-deficit-tops-week-s/article_45d23b88-9f96-11e2-b424-0019bb2963f4.html



In a week that included an election and April Fools' Day (we promise we're not suggesting any connection), one element of the state budget was a hot topic.

The nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau is projecting a $664 million structural deficit in Gov. Scott Walker's proposed budget, news that had some Republican senators up in arms.

Steven Elbow's story on the disapproval from the GOP's Sen. Richard Gudex and Sen. Michael Ellis was the most-read item last week on captimes.com.

The governor claims that revenue growth not factored into the Fiscal Bureau analysis will cover the shortfall, but some in the GOP want to see more concrete details.

The story of one private sector labor union's contentious negotiations with a Madison company, was second on the most-read list.

Mike Ivey reported that the president of the union representing around 700 employees at CUNA Mutual Group is convinced that anti-union sentiment is making its way into more than just the public sector.

[midnight]

1. Here are some listening sessions the Dems. are having around the State about the budget...

There are currently 10 additional budget hearing dates scheduled. More information about specific times and locations will be released as it becomes available:
April 8—La Crosse. Hogan Administrative Center Gym, 5:00-6:30 pm, 807 East Ave. South.
April 15—Racine. Gateway Technical College, Great Lakes Room, 4:00-7:00 pm, 1001 Main St.
April 20—Milwaukee. Location TBD, 11:00 am-2:00 pm.
April 22—Wausau. UW-Marathon County, 4:00-7:00 pm, 518 S. 7th Ave.
April 22—Viroqua. Viroqua Middle/High School Band Room, 5:00-6:30 pm, 100 Blackhawk Dr.
April 23—Madison. Location TBD, 4:00-7:00 pm.
April 24—Wisconsin Rapids. City Council Chambers, 5:00-7:00 pm, 444 W. Grand Ave.
April 25—Appleton. Conference Center at Fox Valley Technical College’s D.J. Bordini Business and Industry Center, 4:00-7:00 pm, 5 Systems Dr.
April 27—Barron. Barron County Courthouse, 10:00 am-4:00 pm (final time TBD), 1420 State Highway 25 North.
April 29—Eau Claire. Chippewa Valley Technical College, 4:00-7:00 pm, 620 W. Clairemont Ave.
“This budget is as extreme and damaging to our middle-class neighbors as the last Republican budget,” Sen. Larson said. “Their budget gives a 30% increase in taxpayer money to private unaccountable voucher schools versus 0.01% for our community public schools and will lead to tens of thousands more being kicked off their health care.”

“We look forward to hearing from hardworking families and citizens all over Wisconsin on how we can fix this budget and ensure it focuses on their priorities,” Rep. Barca said. “It is vitally important that as many people as possible have the chance to weigh in, especially since so few will be able to attend the official hearings. We are ready to make sure their voices are heard on how we can work together to craft a budget that actually helps Wisconsin’s middle class.”
It's nice that at least one party is willing to listen to the people instead of the corporate special interests.

http://cognidissidence.blogspot.com/2013/04/democratic-joint-finance-committee.html

[hue]

2. Thanks midnight!!