Greetings,

Thank you for contacting me regarding Governor Walker’s budget repair bill. Whether you support or oppose the Governor’s proposal, I want to thank you for contacting me to let me know your thoughts. Please allow me this opportunity to share with you my reasons for supporting the Governor’s repair bill, especially in light of the introduction of his 2011-13 budget bill.

Our state faces a serious fiscal crisis. Over the past few years, Wisconsin citizens have had to tighten their belts, both because of the tough economy, and because of nearly $5 billion in tax increases. In the last election, the people spoke, and demanded that their government make the same difficult choices that they have had to make in their own homes.

While every state has significant budgetary problems, Wisconsin has among the deepest deficits in the nation, per capita. What sets us apart from the rest of the nation is that Governor Walker and the Legislature are willing to rise to this challenge and make very painful decisions about how to reduce the burden of government on the people. During difficult times, there must be shared sacrifices, and these decisions are not being taken lightly.

By asking that government workers contribute to their pension and health care benefits, Governor Walker will secure $30 million in savings. That, along with the refinancing of $165 million in debt, will allow Wisconsin to continue paying our bills through the current fiscal year. Without these savings, Wisconsin workers face layoffs as early as April, which will harm families and hamper our economic recovery.

The continued savings achieved through the repair legislation provides local governments vital tools with which to balance their budgets in the face of the biennial budget’s $1.8 billion in cuts to shared aids, without massive job loss or cuts in programs and services.

Governor Walker’s proposed biennial budget balances the budget without raising taxes, fees, or raiding segregated funds. The massive $3.6 billion deficit requires cuts of $4.2 billion to put the state on the right track to grow the economy and jobs. With this budget, Governor Walker is keeping his promises to the voters and taxpayers. I support the Governor on the budget repair bill as we continue to work toward getting Wisconsin’s fiscal house in order. Thank you again for contacting me about this issue and do not hesitate to do so again in the future.

Sincerely,

Alberta Darling

State Senator – 8th District