{"id":1931,"date":"2023-04-06T13:27:20","date_gmt":"2023-04-06T13:27:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wifamily.news\/?p=1931"},"modified":"2023-04-06T14:11:53","modified_gmt":"2023-04-06T14:11:53","slug":"beyond-the-budget-the-surge-of-non-agency-pork-in-wisconsin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wifamily.news\/?p=1931","title":{"rendered":"Beyond the Budget: The Surge of Non-Agency Pork in Wisconsin"},"content":{"rendered":"

This post originally appeared at https:\/\/will-law.org\/beyond-the-budget-the-surge-of-non-agency-pork-in-wisconsin\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

WI Taxpayers potentially on the hook for record amount of pork projects, WILL believes the JFC should intervene<\/strong><\/h1>\n

The News: <\/strong>The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) released its newest policy brief, \u201cBeyond the Budget: The Surge of Non-Agency Pork in Wisconsin.\u201d<\/a> In this policy brief, we show how non-state agency capital requests have increased, raising concerns about the appropriate use of taxpayer dollars for the good of the state.<\/p>\n

The Quote:<\/strong> WILL Policy Director, Kyle Koenen, stated \u201cThe state legislature will have to consider if these non-state agency requests have a state-wide impact and serve the public interest. The government should use discernment and practice good stewardship of people\u2019s money, not just green light every request that comes their way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Why It Matters:<\/strong> The capital budget represents a significant cost to Wisconsin taxpayers; and, much of the spending in the budget is financed through borrowing supported by the general fund. With rising interest rates, the cost to taxpayers could be higher than ever, meaning any projects financed through the capital budget should be absolutely necessary and represent good stewardship of taxpayer money.<\/p>\n

Governor Evers\u2019 proposed 2023-25 capital budget\u2014a record high of $3.8 billion\u2014earmarks an historic amount of $270.7 million in all funds for non-state agency requests, with nearly $62.8 million in proposed taxpayer dollars supporting these projects. Since 1997, the State Building Commission has allowed non-state entities\u2014such as non-profits and local governments\u2014to request state aid for the construction or renovation of a facility. Over the last three proposed capital budgets, Governor Evers has approved 96% of non-agency capital requests, compared to just 45% under Governor Walker.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Bottom Line:<\/strong> WILL asks lawmakers, specifically the Legislative Joint Finance Committee (JFC), to judge whether the $3.8 billion overall is essential, and if this embodies sound government accountability in managing the state\u2019s tax dollars.<\/p>\n

Key Findings: <\/strong><\/p>\n