The Honorable Steve Wieckert
Wisconsin State Assembly
Madison, WI 53708
Dear Representative Wieckert:
On behalf of the 7,600 Wisconsin members of the National Taxpayers Union, I write to endorse Assembly Bill 221, which would require the Governor to submit a balanced budget for the Legislature's consideration. In particular, Assembly Bill 221 would prevent the executive budget bills from authorizing expenditures beyond what the state is expected to collect from taxes in the coming fiscal cycle.
While the Legislature and Governor must sign off on a budget that is balanced, the Governor is under no requirement to present a budget outline that lives within its means. As the budget proposal serves as a roadmap for spending allocations, it makes sense to ensure that the blueprint meet the finished product's requirement of being balanced.
Forty-nine states have constitutional requirements for balanced budgets, and forty-four states compel the Governor to submit a balanced budget proposal. It's time to bring Wisconsin into this community by passing Assembly Bill 221. Supporting sound and prudent budgeting is a key taxpayer goal, and our members applaud your efforts.
Sincerely,
Kristina Rasmussen
Director of Government Affairs