MADISON, Wis. – Representative Loren Oldenburg (Viroqua) released the following statement after the Wisconsin State Assembly passed the 2023-2025 State Budget:
“I am pleased that the legislature’s state budget increases transportation funding by $1.5 billion dollars, these funds will help fix local roads, bridges, and state highways” said Rep. Oldenburg. “Specifically, I am excited that the new agricultural road improvement program (ARIP) will target funding to agricultural roads that have been long overdue for an upgrade”
“This budget continues to support the agriculture industry by doubling the money available for dairy processing grants and quadrupling the money available for meat processing grants. Increasing funding for these two groups of processors was one of my priorities this session” stated Oldenburg. “I made budget recommendations for both of these grant programs and could not be happier with the outcome.”
The Representative also made budget recommendations to increase funding for the Youth Apprenticeship Program.
“Adding $7 million dollars in funding for the Youth Apprenticeship Program should help connect students to employers who are eager for employees with soft and technical skills” said Oldenburg. “I am hopeful that this additional funding will help address shortages in entry-level workers in Wisconsin.”
Wisconsin Republicans made historical investments in education and successfully worked to cut taxes by $4.4 billion dollars. The largest tax cut in state history.
“Making sure K-12 students can read at grade level is crucial, which is why $50 million of the education funding in this budget will be set aside to help educators achieve this goal” said Oldenburg. “As for tax cuts, I am hopeful that these will help reduce the burden of increasing inflation.”
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