Property Tax Cut, Public Media Funding On Budget Committee’s Agenda This Week

The Legislature’s budget committee has a busy agenda ahead of it this week, with votes on everything from the governor’s property tax cut to funding for public broadcasting.

On Tuesday, the Joint Finance Committee will vote on the governor’s budget for the Educational Communications Board, which helps operate Wisconsin Public Radio and Wisconsin Public Television stations statewide. Walker has proposed reducing the agency’s state funding by about $5 million, amounting to a 35 percent cut.

On Thursday, the committee is scheduled to vote on Walker’s plan to cut property taxes through the school levy tax credit. Republican lawmakers may tinker with the timing of that credit to help offset Walker’s cut to public schools.

Also Thursday, the committee is scheduled to vote on new restrictions to the W2 program, which took the place of traditional welfare in Wisconsin. Those restrictions include reducing the amount of time a poor person can receive W2 benefits from five years to four.

Editor’s Note: As noted in the story, Wisconsin Public Radio is a service of the Educational Communications Board.