Wimberger, Kaufert Address Budget at May 5 Meeting

Fox Valley Initiative (FVI) held its monthly forum on May 5, 2025 at Freedom Project Academy in Appleton, hosting State Senator Eric Wimberger (top photo) and Representative Dean Kaufert (bottom photo) in a wide-ranging discussion of the planned two-year state budget.

Water and soil pollution with PFAS—"forever chemicals” used in everyday consumer products—was a major topic of discussion. The state legislature has set aside $125 million for remediation but the money is not currently being used due to disagreements over provisions to protect farmers and other landowners from liability for PFAS levels on their properties.

Governor Evers has submitted his budget plans to the Legislature finance committees, with a goal of final budget by June 30. His budget would increase funding for the Department of Public Instruction from the current $15 billion to nearly $20 billion and would increase the overall budget by $20 billion, to $120 billion. The Republican-led legislature is advocating for stable budget levels with increases tied to inflation.

Effects of the result of the recent State Supreme Court race were also discussed, including the possible repeal of Act 10 by the new court with subsequent increase in property taxes, along with a change in the ability of the Legislature to have oversight of spending, which would further empower the executive branch.

The next FVI public forum will be held on Monday, June 2, 2025 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, again at the Freedom Project Academy. Representative Joy Goeben will present on the topic of Early Child Care, with discussions of the expense of childcare to young families, the over-regulation of the industry, and the degree to which the state should support the industry.

The July meeting will be held a week later than usual, on Monday, July 14, due to the Independence Day holiday. Laura Ackmann will discuss her work with Moms for Liberty.