As I See It
Legislature doesn’t care much for La Crosse-area residents when it comes to the Wisconsin budget
As the spring elections come to a finish, there’s another giant priority going on right now in the Wisconsin Legislature — the state budget.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers unveiled his plan, and Wisconsin Republicans, who control the Legislature, will posture that everything Evers is doing is horrible, and they will craft a budget of their own.
But while that’s happening, there are four budget listening sessions across the state. None of them, however, are close to La Crosse.
For as important as it seems to get the public’s opinion on priorities in the state, the Legislature doesn’t seem to care much.
Of the four listening sessions happening, one is in the Appleton area. Another near Milwaukee. A third is in Hayward — which is an hour and a half north of Eau Claire. And the last listening session is in Wausau.
So, if you think the state Legislature cares about the southwestern portion of Wisconsin when it comes to the budget, think again.
You’ll have to drive at least two and a half hours to get your — wait for it — 3 minutes in front of state reps at the listening session. And often you’ll have to wait hours before you get that turn.
Oh, and the first listening session — that happens the day after next week’s election.
As I see it, I’m Rick Solem.
walden
March 26, 2025 at 10:38 pm
I really like the 2nd paragraph above. But the fact is that Gov Evers has been in La Crosse every two weeks for at least the past year, always villainizing the Republican led legislature he needs cooperation from (not the brightest strategy). Why would Republicans bother to talk to La Crosse Representatives and its activist astroturf, who are all Democrat and all out to score cheap points, with patronage from local media?
Since the nearest listening session is in Wausau, I suggest William Garcia, Billings, Brad Pfaff and Rick Solem hop into an energy efficient Prius and head up there. You may have to tie Brad Williams to the roof so he can take his required Pfaff photo. It’s only a 6 hour round trip; you can be back in time to watch Gutfeld.
On the return journey, if you spend your per diems wisely, you should stop at Chips Drive-In in Wisconsin Rapids they make a great cheeseburger. Seriously.