Democrats Say Walker Should Focus Less On Travel, More On Impending Budget Shortfall

Democrats are calling for Republican Gov. Scott Walker to spend more time addressing a potential budget deficit in Wisconsin and less time traveling the U.S. in his bid for the presidency.

Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling said when Walker spoke over the weekend in Iowa and California, he didn’t seem focused on Wisconsin’s budget troubles.

“He appears to be out across the nation really wearing rose-colored glasses about the financial and the fiscal health of Wisconsin right now. And we need to roll up our sleeves. We need to work together … and exercise leadership,” said Shilling.

Some Democrats want debate on a “budget repair bill” to address what the Legislative Fiscal Bureau says could be a $283 million shortfall by the end of June. A Walker aide, however, said the current budget will be balanced.

The governor plans to announce his proposed state budget for the next two years, on Feb. 3.