Doyle’s budget needs to restrain spending more and the republicans need to say more than NO new taxes.

                Governor Doyle’s budget should expect more sacrifice from all state workers to resolve our budget deficit.  We should ask all of our state workers to take a pay freeze for 2 years and if necessary we should lay people off. I’ve supported our teachers and staff for many years as a school board member and would not suggest this type of action unless I really felt we needed it.  I’ve even had to take a 10 % pay cut as a computer analyst which is very unusual in our industry.  While I realize that many teachers use some of their own money for their classrooms, this is a very trying time in our state.  I also realize that the pay freezes would need to be negotiated but it is time for everyone in government at every level to participate and share in the recovery of our state.  We should also reduce the pensions for any future state employees so as to reduce long term liabilities like the one Tommy Thompson gave us just before he left office.  He increased state pensions to the tune of $5 billion and the bill was passed in just three days.  Doyle's idea to remove the QEO that covers the wages and benefits of teachers is the worst idea I've heard in years. Schools need to be able to focus their energy on educating our children, not on spending excessive time negotiating with unions.  Finally mandating increases on the the minimum insurance limits on car insurance is a terrible idea.  At the very least it should be discussed separate from the budget bill.

                On the republican side, they can’t just say no new taxes since the state mandates increases in spending each year especially for school districts. In the Muskego-Norway school district alone, the state mandate for the 3.8% increase in wages and benefits amounts to around $1 million each year.  They need to be willing to say what they are going to cut.  As of this point they have not done anything but said NO new taxes.  Why? In fact, Senator Lazich just today said that releasing prisoners early is not a good option.  Then she should be willing to fund it or offer up another idea.  I will be waiting for her response.  Have you ever seen a specific list of items they are will to not increase or cut?  I haven't.

                Thank you.