Doyle says fed stimulus not cure-all, tough decision still ahead
In a press conference with reporters this afternoon, Gov. Jim Doyle said that in addition to the $2 billion the federal stimulus bill, the legislation provides $550 million for infrastructure projects in Wisconsin as well as other cash through grants and other programs.
In the final tally, the impact to the state from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act could reach $3.5 billion, Doyle estimated.
Doyle said $2 billion in fiscal stabilization funds in the bill can be used state medical assistance a education, and will help to relieve some of the state's $5.7 billion projected deficit. But he warned that would not be "dollar for dollar" relief.
"This is not going to solve all the budget problems Wisconsin has or any of the other states have," he said, warning that the budget he introduces Tuesday will contain "very, very deep cuts."
Doyle said he will continue his mantra for this budget, that "being held even is the new increase."
According to Doyle, here is what some of the provisions in the $798 billion legislation mean for Wisconsin:
* $550 million for roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects. Under the state stimulus bill unveiled yesterday, $300 million of those projects would be pre-approved
* Doyle plans to seek a chunk of the $8 billion for railroad modernization and high speed rail
* Education incentive grants for schools in which Wisconsin schools can compete for extra funding. Doyle said he expects Wisconsin schools could get as much as $90 million
* The bil includes $19 billion for health information technology, which Doyle hopes state businesses like Epic Systems, Marshfield Clinic and GE Medical can capitalize on.
* Doyle said Wisconsin will get $150 million of the $5 billion in the bill earmarked for weatherization of homes. He said the weatherization money will not only lower heating bills for low and moderate income families, but also employ many state residents.
See more on the impact to Wisconsin in this document from the White House.
