http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/wisc-capitol-dome-s5.jpgThe direction of your state government is not good. Governor Walker is delaying $767 million in debt payments into future budgets.

MADISON - The word out of this city on the direction of your state government is not good for the average Wisconsinite. The Governor is delaying $767 million in debt payments into future budgets.

Republicans have slashed more than a billion dollars from our public school since Gov. Scott Walker took office and they’ve cut spending on our university and technical colleges systems by another billion dollars.

Critical road construction projects and local road repairs are delayed because Republicans are unwilling to adequately fund the transportation budget. They even refuse to help nearly 1 million residents refinance their student loans at lower rates.

“Their only reason for getting elected seems to be to give more and more of our hard-earned tax dollars to millionaires and billionaires," says Senator Dave Hansen (D - Green Bay).

Against this backdrop it is no surprise but no less disappointing to learn that the richest 11 residents of Wisconsin, who each make $35 million or more, are receiving a $22 million tax break that averages out to $2 million a year for each of them.

“These are people who already pay less than their fair share of taxes, yet Wisconsin workers and their families are expected to dutifully hand over their hard-earned tax dollars and watch their quality of life sacrificed on the altar of a failed trickle-down tax scheme run amok," said Hansen in a statement Wednesday.

“Is it any wonder that a majority of Wisconsinites think we are on the wrong track? This isn’t tax reform. It’s a travesty,” concludes Hansen.

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Jay Wadd contributed to this story.