Assembly Republicans Pack Bags Without Taking Action |
Commentary |
Written by Peter Barca, Assembly Democratic Leader, District 64 |
Friday, 26 February 2016 11:54 |
They rushed through nearly 200 bills last week to end the legislative session without taking action on major issues plaguing hardworking Wisconsinites. MADISON - Last week, Assembly Republicans rushed through nearly 200 bills in what they promised will be the end of the 2015-2016 legislative session. In all the session activity, there was no help for our public schools, no action to boost Wisconsin’s paltry job creation record and no action on sluggish wage growth. The party in power took no steps to address our crumbling roads and bridges and there was nothing done to lower monthly student loan payments for the one million Wisconsinites saddled with student loan debt. Ordinary people tell me that they want their kids to get a high-quality education, they want to protect our lakes, and they want their communities to be safe and for small businesses to thrive. They want a chance to pursue the American Dream by working hard, playing by the rules and making a better future for the next generation. Unfortunately, during the legislative session Republicans have been far more focused on rewarding their political friends than on addressing the issues ordinary Wisconsinites face.
Worst of all, Republican legislators tried to keep more of what they’re doing secret. Their failed attempt to roll back our state’s open records laws would have made it nearly impossible for taxpayers to hold lawmakers accountable for their actions in office. The people of Wisconsin deserve better. Assembly Democrats spent all session aggressively pushing forward a positive alternative. That’s why we pursued an economic opportunity and middle-class agenda to grow jobs and wages and make us competitive in the global economy. We also advocated for sustainable transportation, full and fair funding for our public schools, and reforms to make our jobs agency and government more accountable to taxpayers. Democrats look forward to building coalitions with organizations and small businesses to create a smarter, cleaner and more prosperous state. *** Assembly writer Laura Smith contributed to this article. |
Last Updated on Friday, 26 February 2016 12:16 |