Robson's rose-colored glasses?
After hearing Republican leaders contend that a final budget agreement was doubtful before Oct. 15, Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson, D-Beloit, issued a statement late yesterday saying there's no reason why it can't get done before then.
"The oil franchise fee is among the shrinking list of unresolved issues," she said. "Will Assembly Republicans hold the entire state budget hostage to protect the multi-billion dollar profits of the big oil companies?"
Robson and Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch, R-West Salem, will meet again today at the Legislative Fiscal Bureau office to continue budget compromise talks.
See the Robson's statement here.
Rep. Jeff Fitzgerald, R-Horicon, said Robson is viewing the negotiations through "rose-colored glasses."
"There have been no accepted offers when it comes to taxes," Fitzgerald said in a press release this morning. "We are still more than $1.3 billion apart. Her claim that the gas tax is the only one outstanding is pure folly.
"There is a reason why October 15th is an unrealistic date to have the budget done – we are still far, far apart when it comes to taxes and spending. No matter the number of rejected offers, the status is the same. The Senate Democrats failed to pass AB 506 and AB 507. Property taxpayers will now bear the brunt of their inaction. They are looking for cover."
See Fitzgerald's press release here.
