Leaders discuss deal at press conference
Sen. Decker said it was a difficult deal to put together, and he touted the protection of funding for road projects and closure of two "corporate loopholes" that will bring in $15 million. He said the package was a "bipartisan compromise."
Rep. Huebsch said that "none of us wanted to be here," saying states across the nation are facing similar financial problems because of the slow down in the economy.
"We knew we wanted to address this in a way that families are addressing it across the state," he said, citing cuts to unnecessary spending, delays in some payments and reaching into savings to close the projected $525 million deficit.
"I believe we have the to votes to send it to the governor," Huebsch said.
Rep. Kreuser said he was pleased that the amount of tobacco bonding was cut significantly and that two other bills supported by Assembly Democrats on invasive species and extending the do-not call list to cell phones were included in the final product.
"At this point last week I wasn't sure we were going to get here," said Kreuser, addng that Huebsch and Decker "worked in good faith" to get the deal finalized.
"The priority was to get a fair deal and that something get done in time to get the road contracts done," he said, referring to the May and June lets that are supposed to be awarded tomorrow.
Kreuser said he has received an assurance from Doyle that the contracts will go out on time.
Listen to audio of the press conference here.
Labels: Budget_Repair_Bill
