Yesterday, in front of an crowd of students and staff at Tullar Elementary School in Neenah, Governor Scott Walker today signed the 2017 – 19 state budget into law. The budget lifts K-12 education aid to the highest appropriated levels in state history and keeps Governor Walker’s promise to lower property taxes for the typical home so they will be lower in 2018 than in 2010.
“This budget proves you can provide more money for our schools and lower property taxes at the same time,” Governor Walker said. “Our successful economic and fiscal reforms led to a growing economy and better budget outlook. We call this the Reform Dividend, and we are investing this dividend in our priorities.”
Governor Walker’s priorities for this budget came as a result of listening sessions he held with citizens in all 72 counties. Our priorities fall into three categories: Student Success, Accountable Government, and Rewarding Work. This budget, which is projected to end with a roughly $200 million surplus, includes major new investments in each of these areas and provides continued tax relief.
“After listening to families and hardworking taxpayers across our state, we built this budget based on the people’s priorities,” Governor Walker continued. “I thank the Legislature for keeping the core of our budget in place which includes historic K-12 education funding, property tax relief, and more funding for broadband and worker training. I have never been more optimistic about the future of our state. We are working and winning for Wisconsin!”
In addition, Governor Walker today signed Executive Order #255 which creates an Office of Inspector General at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to reinforce the department’s efforts to find savings and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse.