2025 Budget Advocacy

The budget process for the 2025-2027 Wisconsin state budget is underway. Governor Evers will submit his budget to the Legislative Joint Finance Committee (LJFC). They will create a budget based upon their priorities, considering (or not) the Governor's budget. The legislature will vote on a budget later this spring and the Governor will veto, partial veto, or outright sign the budget. For more details about the budget process, please visit https://doa.wi.gov/Pages/StateFinances/CurrentBiennialBudget.aspx. This article discusses the formation, still in process, of the LJFC: https://wisconsinexaminer.com/briefs/senate-leaders-announce-next-sessions-joint-finance-committee-members/

ADVOCACY

Sierra Club members are encouraged to take every opportunity to highlight club priorities and advocate for their inclusion in the budget.

OPPORTUNITIES

ONGOING  - Leave budget comments at the Governor's general comment form at https://wi.accessgov.com/public/Forms/Page/governor/voice-an-opinion. You may also write to the Governor at P.O. Box 7863, Madison, WI 53707 or call the office: 608-266-1212.

Monday, December 16 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. -- Governor Evers Budget Listening Session (online) Register here: https://tinyurl.com/1216BudgetListening

We will list more opportunities as they become available.

TALKING POINTS

Transportation Team

1. Move public transportation back into the state transportation budget. It was removed to the general fund last session, meaning transit, a most important tool for increasing equity and reducing carbon emissions, is now competing with many other important programs.

2. Reinstate Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) which allow counties to form governmental bodies with taxing authority to start and support regional public transit systems.

3. End the I-94 expansion project and repurpose those funds to improve and expand cleaner transportation options and multi-modal connections in the state.

Other

1. Support environmental protection - funding for PFAS and lead remediation, reauthorizing the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, doubling down on and speeding up programs and policies that promote a quick clean energy transition. Read more from Wisconsin Conservation Voters.

2. Revamp, expand, and fund a robust State Climate Action office (emphasis on ACTION).

 

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