Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers updated residents of the state on his latest efforts to spend more than $4 billion given to the state from coronavirus relief funds.
According to the governor, $1.3 billion has been directed to economic initiatives, roughly $1 billion for “community building,” and more than $500 million for education and child care.
“We’ve made critically important investments to put our state in the best position to ensure a strong economic recovery, and now Wisconsin has the lowest unemployment rate in state history and the fewest number of people unemployed ever,” said Evers on the money. “Wisconsin families, farmers, businesses, industries, and communities have benefited from these investments in every corner of our state, and even as we continue to ensure the state has resources to continue responding to the pandemic, we’ll keep working to get help to folks who need support now.”
Residents struggling financially can apply for help on the state’s website.
Republicans pushed back on the governor’s ability to spend the influx of cash from the federal government with little oversight.
The Wisconsin state Senate passed a measure to permit the legislature more power when distributing federal funds awarded to the state.
To be fully enacted, the provision must complete the constitutional amendment process. Therefore, it must pass both chambers during two consecutive legislative sessions and be approved by Wisconsin voters.
“Long ago, the legislature abandoned its responsibility to help decide where federal funding is spent. It’s time to restore the accountability that the legislative process brings. Neither of these proposals is about who is currently the governor, they’re about ensuring Wisconsin thrives long into the future by locking in fiscal responsibility and accountability today,” said State Sen. Dale Kooyenga (R-Brookfield), who drafted the measure.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Tony Evers” by Governor Tony Evers. Background Photo “Wisconsin State Capitol” by Carol M. Highsmith.
