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JFC Increasing Spending

Do you remember the press release from Rep. Nass last week in which he revealed that Wisconsin’s Joint Finance Committee was not only failing to stop any of Doyle’s tax and spending increasses, but they had actually added to those increases to the tune of $17.4 million? 

Well, I did a little digging to find out what the spending was and which Republicans voted for it.  The results were depressing.

1.)  Homestead Tax Credit Expansion - Increased this program by $14.4 million GPR. 

This motion passed on May 15th, by a vote of 9-7 with Senators Olsen and Darling joining the Democrats to pass it.  Republicans have generally opposed expansion of this program because the Democrats like to use it as wealth re-distribution tax credit.  Senators Darling and Olsen attempted to suggest that it was a mistake on their part and JFC rules don’t allow a member to switch a vote after verbalizing the vote in the committee.  However, this explanation is implausible since the Republican members of the JFC meet for hours before each meeting to painstakingly determine the “correct” vote for all motions on the agenda for the day.  (Yes, the Democrats do this too).

2.)  State HIV/Aids Program - The Joint Finance Committee agreed to increase spending by $1.3 million GPR. 

This program provides state assistance with treatment costs and funding to local HIV/Aids groups.  This increase in particular is aimed at the Aids Resource Center of Wisconsin (based in Milwaukee).  This is the same organization that allowed its office to act as a telephone bank against the Gay Marriage Amendment last election season.  The Aids Resource Center of Wisconsin has employed former Senator Peggy Rosenzweig as its lobbyist.  Rosenzweig worked over the Republicans on the committee, particularly Rep. Robin Vos.  Vos worked very hard in the committee to get this money for Rosenzweig.  The vote on this motion passed 15-1 with only Rep. Suder voting against.

3.)  Community Health Centers - The Joint Finance Committee increased funding for grants to Community Health Centers by $3 million GPR, particularly in rural counties. 

This motion was orchestrated by Senator Decker and Representative Suder because both have centers that will directly benefit from the increased funding.  Even the Governor didn’t suggest such an increase because the current level of funding for these centers has been meeting the need.  However, it is the usual scam because the supporters of this motion will argue by providing more state money, it will make Wisconsin eligible for federal matching funds.  This ignores the key question; Is the additional state commitment truly necessary?  Some observers have described this provision as “pork” for the affected districts.  This motion passed 16-0.

4.)  City of Racine Fetal and Infant Mortality Study -The Joint Finance Committee approved this motion offered by Senator John Lehman to provide a $250,000 GPR grant for this study. 

It only applies to the City of Racine.  Again, there are other funding sources already in existence on both a state and federal level.  Also, why earmark a grant for only one community when there are others with similar issues.  During the debate on this motion several Republicans spoke against it, but after a short recess for the Republican members to meet on this issue they came out and passed the motion 16-0.

In total, I count $18.95 million to be spent by the government or returned to the taxpayers in the form of tax cuts (looks like Nass undercounted).  Look, frankly, I can be convinced to support some of these things, but there needs to be a recognition by members of the JFC that this money comes from an already overburdened taxpayer.  If they want to use the money for these purposes, then they need to act like grownups and cut matching spending somewhere else. 

BTW, you can go back and actually watch these votes on Wisconsin Eye, if you are as boring as I am.

Posted by Owen at 1704 hrs
Politics + Politics - Wisconsin

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