For a complete (and brutal fisking) of the budget deal check out Owen at Boots and Sabers.

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From Steve Nass:

State Representative Steve Nass (R-Whitewater) is outraged with the pieces of a new budget deal announced today by Speaker Mike Huebsch, Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker, and Representative Jim Kreuser.  The budget repair deal contains a tax increase, a raid on segregated funds, changes to the tobacco securitization fund and new state borrowing.

     “Senator Decker has criticized big business for using accounting gimmicks, but his fake morality regarding economics doesn’t apply to state government.  However, I am more shocked that Speaker Mike Huebsch would again sell-out the Republican principals on taxation and government spending,” Nass said.

     Nass noted that this budget deal is the product of purely political negotiations amongst a group of legislative leaders that doesn’t represent the interests of the people.  This deal fails to improve the State’s position as the economy continues to weaken.

     “Any legislator that supports this kind of budgeting malfeasance is guilty of political fraud on the taxpayers of this state,” Nass said.

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From this taxpayer:

Rep. Huebsch,

I spoke with your office yesterday and was dismayed to hear how the budget deficit is being handled.  If the state of Wisconsin can’t cut less than 1/2% of the budget, there is problem.  Your staffer told me the fixes would start with delayed payments.  I’m ok with this, but not happy.  The staffer also told me, cutting spending may work in Brookfield , but in swing districts it will negatively affect election outcomes.  I believe his (your) premise is wrong in the current climate.  Scott Walker proved this and it should be the Wisconsin Republican model. 

This year, every Wisconsinite has to cut costs in their personal and companies’ budgets – everyone.  People will understand why you have to cut spending this year.  Even Gov. Corzine (D-NJ) is cutting spending.  When the Republicans get attacked for cutting a bureaucratic program, there needs to be a strong, coherent response. 

I am discouraged with the Republican leadership.  I feel we are reacting and not taking the fight to the Democrats.  Why should we be on the defensive for an issue that is black and white?  If Republicans can’t sell spending cuts during this period of Wisconsin ’s history, when would you be able to?  Let’s starting doing what is right for Wisconsinites and stop pandering to special interests and soft Republicans.

 (Name withheld)

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From Sen. Neal Kedzie:

For those keeping score at home, the budget deficit is about $527 million and budget talks over the last couple of months have resembled a visit to the mound by the pitching coach,” Kedzie said.  “Most legislators, and the public, have been anxiously standing in the batter’s box waiting to see if they’d be served a fastball, curve, or the dreaded screwball.”

At a quick glance, Kedzie says the budget repair bill:

·        Lapses $69 million from unencumbered balances

·        Raids $50 million from Transportation Fund and replaces it with bonding

·        Prohibits $21 million appropriation to implement the federally mandated Real ID Act

·        Creates $28 million Transportation Fund deficit to be replaced with bonds

·        Delays $125 million school aid payments

·        Depletes the ‘Rainy Day’ fund by $57 million

·        Changes the Tobacco Securitization Funds to capture $209 million

·        Increases the non-resident snowmobile trail use sticker from $18 to $35

·        Creates a $15 million tax increase by eliminating current deduction for rental payments and interest payments for certain entities