Assembly approves budget package

By Patrick Marley
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The Assembly narrowly approved a budget-repair package today, sending it to Gov. Jim Doyle, who has pledged to revise it with vetoes.

Democrats joined Republicans who control the house to push the bill through on a 51–46 vote.

Members of both parties bashed the deal on the Assembly floor, calling it irresponsible for refinancing the state’s tobacco settlement payments and not making tougher budget cuts.

The Democratic governor has said he dislikes major aspects of the bill and will rework it with his powerful veto pen.

Lawmakers passed a two-year budget in October, but corrections are because tax collections are now expected to be $652 million less than originally projected.