Get to work on state budget, so we get a chance to see it before a vote

Governor Evers has done his job. Now it’s time for the Legislature to do its job. Evers put forward a new state budget proposal to outline the state’s spending priorities over the next two years. Now, legislators will review the document and make changes to reflect their priorities. But what are they waiting for? The budget is due in June, and it takes a lot of work to approve it. Especially since lawmakers have a history of tearing up the Governor’s proposal and starting over. And the two sides are far apart on spending priorities, including state aid to cities, tax reform, education spending and expanding Medicaid.  But they sure don’t seem to be in a hurry. Republicans who control the Wisconsin Legislature should put forth their own proposal so that it can be reviewed and debated. It should be the subject of public hearings so the people of Wisconsin can weigh in on it. So far, they have only held four meetings to gather public response, one in each of the four corners of the state. Our lawmakers have a history of putting the finishing touches on the budget just before it goes up for a vote, often in the middle of the night. They should quicken their pace and put forward their proposals now so we have a chance to digest them before they rush it through for approval.