Apr. 4th, 2019
(WGTD)----Gov. Evers doesn’t hold the view that’s expressed by a majority of respondents in the latest Marquette University public opinion poll that Republican legislative leaders have no interest in cooperating with him.
Just 25% of those surveyed said they perceived that those leaders want to work with the new Democratic governor as he tries to solve the state’s problems and craft a budget. In Kenosha Wednesday night for a budget listening session, Evers told reporters afterward he doesn’t see it that way. "I think they are willing to work with me at the end of the day," Evers said. "They have to pass a budget. I need to make sure that the will of the people has been listened to," he said.
The Marquette poll found that a majority of respondents side with Evers on key budget issues such as raising the minimum wage, spending more on special education, legalizing medical marijuana and accepting more federal money to expand Medicaid. But the poll also found majority support is lacking for Evers' proposals to increase the gas tax to pay for roads and freeze enrollment in voucher schools.
The listening session on the state’s budget was held at the Kenosha Public Museum and drew about 150. Participants split up into five discussion groups to tackle various key topics. Evers, blending in with the crowd, rotated between the groups, acting mostly as an observer.
Afterward, Evers called the night a success. "Certainly the people that came here as participants didn't disappoint," Evers said. "They argued. They provided advice. I was just really pleased with the outcome," he said.
The session was the second held since Evers presented his budget to the legislature several weeks ago. Republicans have attacked many parts of it.
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