Will gridlock be the word of the year in 2019?

We are barely into the new year, but it already appears that the 2019 word of the year may well be gridlock. We are seeing that in our nation’s capital, and our state capital. In Washington, republicans and democrats are so at odds over just about everything that much of the federal government remains shut down. In Madison, the gridlock is well underway, even before our new Governor takes office. That was fueled by the lame duck legislative session which saw republicans work to strip power from incoming Governor Tony Evers. There is a lack of trust, an unwillingness to even try to work together. Instead, our politicians are willing to do anything to further their hold on power. They remain far apart on issues such as transportation, health care, prison reform and school funding. The climate is so toxic that some key Wisconsin lawmakers already predict republicans will ignore Governor Evers’ state budget proposal and will craft their own. And he hasn’t even taken office yet. As a result of the gridlock, we have no progress, only a toxic political environment. Clearly, gridlock isn’t working to solve the problems facing our nation and our state. Perhaps its time to try a little compromise. It can’t be more unproductive than what we’re seeing now.