Conservatively Speaking
State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) represents parts of four counties: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Walworth. Her Senate District 28 includes New Berlin, Franklin, Greendale, Hales Corners, Muskego, Waterford, Big Bend and parts of Greenfield, East Troy, and Mukwonago. Senator Lazich has been in the Legislature for more than a decade. She considers herself a tireless crusader for lower taxes, reduced spending and smaller government.
My reaction to State of the State
By Mary Lazich
Wednesday, Jan 23 2008, 08:52 PM
Governor Doyle began his State of the State address by saying we must make cuts. He proceeded to recognize and validate a looming recession. He then proceeded to light up the Christmas tree and place many new gifts under it. He did not explain how he would pay for the gifts.
The condition of state finances is that the next budget deficit, according to government accounting, is $900 million.
Using real world accounting, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, the state’s general fund deficit for fiscal year 2007 is $2.44 billion.
The recently approved 2007-09 state budget that I voted against increased taxes and fees by an incredible $763 million. Keep in mind there are millions of dollars at risk due to the Governor tampering with Indian gaming funds and the Patient’s Compensation Fund, not to mention the $427 million transportation raid. Tax collections are rapidly falling and expected to further decline during 2008.
The true state of the state economy is that every economic ranking shows Wisconsin in the top ten in taxes around the country. The Governor and the Legislature need to fully understand that the state cannot afford to continue its spiral of falling revenues and increased spending. That’s a recipe for economic disaster that will keep Wisconsin as one of the highest taxed states in the nation.
You can hear an audio clip of my reaction to the State of the State on badgerblogger.com.
