Assembly member discusses state budget

By Taylor Hale

Rep. Katrina Shankland visited the new Roy and Margaret Menzel Pavilion at Schmeeckle Reserve on April 30 to discuss the upcoming state budget and hear more from Portage County environmental experts on their thoughts on key budgetary items.

UW-Stevens Point (UWSP) Chancellor Thomas Gibson attened the discussion, along with members of the joint finance committee and local environmental and water experts.

The committee held three public meetings on the budget earlier this year in Rhinelander, Menomonie, and White Water, along with a state-wide virtual meeting on April 28.

The budget encompasses $91 billion in state and federal money for road care, environmental management. criminal justice, and other facets of local government and operations.

The discussion allowed state leaders to get an inside look at how the budget affects local communities. Things such as maintaining natural resources, reducing PFAs usage, and other environmental concerns were the main focus during the discussions in Stevens Point. The talks were followed by a tour of UWSP’s Albertson Hall, hosted by Chancellor Gibson.

Voting for the budget in the finance committee started the week of May 3. To learn more about the state budget, visit doa.wi.gov.