Brookfield's State Lawmakers Praise Budget Votes

State legislators who represent Brookfield echoed similar themes of fiscal conservatism and responsibility in explaining why they voted in favor of the $66 billion state biennial budget.

The state Assembly passed the budget Wednesday, 60-38, and the , tonight.

Brookfield's representatives, all Republicans, voted in favor of the budget that balances a $3 billion deficit with deep cuts to education and local governments among other moves. State Sens. Rich Zipperer and Leah Vukmir and state Reps. Dale Kooyenga and Paul Farrow each represent parts of Brookfield.

 Zipperer (R-Pewaukee) said, “Wisconsinites have finally gotten the long-overdue return to fiscal sanity they voted for on November 2nd.

"After years of fiscal mismanagement, tax hikes, and deficit spending in Madison, families and job creators can be confident our state’s fiscal house is finally being brought in order," Zipperer added.

The moves should help job-creators increase investments and hiring, he added.

State Rep. Dale Kooyenga, a certified public accountant in Brookfield, said the budget was the "most honest in decades."

Kooyenga said the budget creates a "permanent property tax freeze" and controls expenses.

"I assure you, the metrics will show that Wisconsin is now a better place to start and pursue a career, raise a family and grow your business," he added.

State Rep. Paul Farrow (R-Pewaukee) reiterated a theme sounded by fellow conservatives.

"No longer will we rely on accounting gimmicks, one-time fixes, or raids on segregated funds," Farrow said. "We have seen the results of these past failed tactics all too clearly.

"For too long, state government was content to kick the financial can down the road. Inevitably the can got too big, and the road got too short. This balanced budget cleans up the mess of the past, and lays the groundwork for the future,” Farrow said.

Democratic lawmakers objected vociferously during debates in the Capitol Wednesday and Thursday, saying repeatedly the budget was an "assault on the middle class." 

They offered numerous amendments that were tabled by Republicans, who had the votes to send the budget to Gov. Scott Walker, who said he plans to sign it in coming days.