Wisconsin Budget “Fix” Coming Soon

This doesn’t look good. 

MADISON, Wis. (AP)—Gov. Jim Doyle refused to discuss the state’s budget Friday as lawmakers appeared to be closing in on a deal to solve a $527 million shortfall.

Leaders of both the Senate and Assembly notified lawmakers to keep their schedules clear to be in session Tuesday through Thursday of next week. No details were released by anyone involved in the negotiations about whether there actually was a deal yet.

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker’s spokeswoman Carrie Lynch said talks were progressing “very well” and senators would not be told to prepare for session for no reason.

Negotiations among leaders of both houses intensified Thursday and into Friday as they tried to reach a consensus on a proposal that Doyle would sign.

What whispers I’ve heard are that this is not going to be pretty.  Expect a bunch of budget tricks, tax hikes, and a show of spending restraint - but just a show.  The fact that Huebsch is quiet and Decker’s folks are out there saying that they are close to a deal telegraphs a significant cave-in by Huebsch. 

We’ll see, I guess.  It sure would be nice if they would share their plans sometime before the day of the vote to allow people a chance to read it.