MADISON, Wisconsin (AP) – The majority of Wisconsin Republicans’ plans to spend $ 3.2 billion on government stimulus packages are either illegal or may need to be repaid after impartial analysis of the fast-moving bills Legislator.
Republicans are trying to pass bills that will spend the federal money the way they want, rather than the way Democratic Governor Tony Evers intended. The law gives the governor control of most of the money and he has given few details about how he intends it to be spent. Evers has signaled that he will veto the Republican measures.
A package of 11 bills introduced by Republicans this week was slated for a public hearing and vote in the legislature’s Joint Finance Committee on Wednesday. The bills indicate how to spend approximately $ 2.7 billion of government money, with an unspecified additional amount used for unemployment benefits.
However, the impartial Legislative Fiscal Bureau noted that three of the proposals included proposals for approximately $ 626 million in spending on areas prohibited by federal law. In addition, a proposed $ 1 billion property tax cut for all Wisconsin homeowners and unemployment insurance funds may have to be repaid by the state, the Fiscal Bureau said.
The tax bureau said it appears federal law would not allow Republican proposals to withdraw $ 250 million in bonds for transportation projects. $ 308 million loan for local road projects; and $ 68 million to replace a nationwide public safety communication system and increase the number of psychiatric beds at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire.
Federal law generally stipulates that the money will be used to respond to the coronavirus pandemic until 2024. Replacing the revenue lost by the pandemic; Investments in water, sewage and broadband infrastructure; Pay top government employees up to $ 13 an hour; and paying non-governmental organizations that transport passengers and cargo for the government.
However, no specific guidelines were issued as to what the federal money could be used for, leading the Wisconsin Fiscal Bureau to determine that in many circumstances it is unclear whether the Republican bills would be acceptable.
Republican spending proposals that the Fiscal Bureau would allow included $ 500 million for broadband expansion; $ 200 Million for Small Business; $ 150 million for nursing homes and assisted living facilities; $ 75 million tourism grants; $ 61 million to fight water pollution; and $ 50 million for rural economic development.
Even if the legislature passes the measures, maybe next week, the bills face a likely veto by Evers. When asked about GOP plans to submit their own proposals, an Evers spokeswoman referred to his veto against a bill according to which the legislature should have signed the use of the money.
Evers said last week he plans to allocate $ 600 million of federal funds to small businesses. $ 50 million for the tourism industry; $ 200 million to upgrade infrastructure, including broadband access; and $ 500 million in pandemic action.
Budgets Committee co-chair Rep. Mark Born on Tuesday defended the implementation of the Republican bills that Evers is likely to veto.
“That’s his prerogative, but it won’t make me change my decision,” said Born.