MADISON – Representative James Edming (R-Glen Flora) released the following statement after voting in favor of the 2023-25 State Budget (Senate Bill (SB) 70) on Thursday evening:
“Over the past several months, I’ve been listening to the people of the 87th Assembly District to learn their priorities for the 2023-2025 State Budget. Throughout the budget process, I’ve done my best to advocate for these priorities to make sure as many as possible were addressed.
“One of the top priorities that I heard about from folks across the 87th District is the need to invest in fixing our roads and bridges. I'm pleased that the budget approved by the Legislature builds upon the investments made in previous budgets and increases funding by $1.5 billion for transportation. Included in the transportation funding plan is a $125 million increase to the state highway rehabilitation program, $100 million for the Local Road Improvement Program, and $150 million for the new Agriculture Road Improvement Program. These investments will provide significant support for fixing roads and bridges across the Northwoods.
“Many of my constituents also shared their support for increasing funding for K-12 education. I’m proud that this budget invests over $1 billion in additional funding in our state’s public K-12 schools. This includes providing a $325 per pupil increase in each year of the budget as well as increased investments in sparsity aid and high-cost transportation aid. All of this will give schools across the 87th District more resources to education the next generation.
“This budget also delivers $4.4 billion in tax relief, including $3.5 billion in income tax cuts averaging $537 per filer each year. This tax plan also reduces the two middle income tax brackets currently at 4.65% and 5.30% to a single bracket at 4.40%. Under this plan, every taxpayer will receive a tax cut. In addition, this tax relief package includes over $600 million to reduce property taxes.
“As with any legislation the size of the state budget, there are some parts of the final product that I do not agree with. However, this budget proposal addresses a number of the priorities of the people I represent which is why it earned my support.”
With passage by the Assembly, SB 70 now heads to Governor Evers' desk for his consideration.
The 87th Assembly District includes all or portions of Marathon, Rusk, Sawyer, and Taylor Counties.
Last Update: Jun 30, 2023 9:04 am CDT
