State of Emergency

Last night, Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin, delivered his first State of the State address.  Like most Wisconsinites, I was eager to hear what our new Governor had in store for us.  I was also privileged to attend and witness his first State of the State.  I have been to many States of the States over the years, but there is always anticipation in what is said in the speech and what is accomplished in the subsequent legislative session.

Governor Walker’s first State of the State was delivered on the same day he declared a state of emergency for 29 counties in Wisconsin.  Don’t be confused.   It wasn’t because of a lack of money to cover the budget shortfalls or the incorrect recording of expenditures; it was due to the snow storm of the year that is hitting many states throughout the country.  Just like the snow storm, states are facing similar shortfalls in their budgets and looking for alternatives to make up for these deficits.

There was not a great deal of pomp and circumstance in his address, rather a message of let’s get to work and continue working on what has been started since Governor Walker took office just one month ago.  Wisconsin had a great tide of change in the Governor’s office, State Senate, and State Assembly.  Having this turnover of power, the expectations on both sides of the aisle are huge.

Of course, Governor Walker mentioned the Packers and their upcoming big weekend, which was a theme reinforced in the speech.  Wisconsinites can come together to support our Green Bay Packers, why can’t we come together to save this great state? 

What are the options? Raise taxes? Since so many of the newly elected officials campaigned on not raising taxes, how can they risk this option?  Or, will tough choices need to be made to right the size of state government in Wisconsin?  Time will tell in the coming weeks and months as the budget repair bill is introduced and other legislation comes forward. 

In order to be sure Wisconsin survives this emergency; make your voice be heard.  Contact your legislators and hold them accountable to what they were elected to do.