Capitol Report
By State Representative, Leon D. Young
Leon D. Young
The Joint Committee on Finance is nearing the end of its deliberation on Governor Walker’s 2015- 17 state budget.
The powerful, 16- member panel examines all legislation that deals with state income and spending; any bill introduced in the legislature that appropriates money, provides for revenue, or relates to taxation must be referred to the joint committee.
To say that Walker’s budget proposal was draconian and mean-spirited towards working families, the poor and elderly in our state would indeed be an understatement.
In truth, this budget contains any number of provisions that will adversely impact the quality of life for most residents of this state. It was assumed by most that the Republican majority would merely rubber stamp all of Scott Walker’s budget requests.
But as the process has unfolded in the Joint Finance Committee, it has become evident that not all Republicans are willing to carry water blindly for this governor.
Just last week, the budget-writing Joint Finance Committee announced they’d approve a plan to continue the discount prescription drug program “as is,” and would not press to increase co-payments or annual fees.
Walker first proposed ending SeniorCare, as we know it, in his 2011 budget plan; and, in current budget, he wanted to force Wisconsinites on Medicare Part D and defund SeniorCare by $15 million.
In response, the Democrats went immediately on the offensive.
They delivered more than 14,000 signatures to Republican leaders as part of a Save SeniorCare petition drive and, when the dust had settled, the GOP decided to adopt a different approach.
Moreover, earlier this month, Sen. Alberta Darling and Rep. John Nygren, the committee’s co-chairs, told reporters that they wanted a “better product” [for Iris and Family Care] than Walker’s plan.
They said the committee planned to vote later this month on directing the state Department of Health Services to start developing a plan that would reform long-term care.
It’s no secret that Walker’s current budget is calculated to strengthened his Conservative brand and bolster his chances for the White House.
But some Republicans have defected from the ranks, ever so slightly, which is good news for our beleaguered state.