State Budget Blog
4/6/23
Jt. Finance Committee hearings have started up for this state budget cycle. Thanks to these advocates for testifying at the hearing in Waukesha on April 5, 2023 (click here to access the full video of the session without logging in).
The following individuals testified with Create Wisconsin at the below time stamps:
Chad Bauman, Milwaukee Rep: 1:36:47
Sandy Wysocki, Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts: 3:14:48
Kelly Gerlach, First Stage Milwaukee: 3:33:00
Adam Braatz, Imagine MKE: 4:09:38
Info about other JFC hearings is here. If you are interested in testifying, get in touch with Create Wisconsin for details.
3-13-23
Create Wisconsin Day is coming up April 12-13! More info here.
3/8/23
Create Wisconsin has created a State Budget Action Center with information, actions, ideas, and talking points, to help people who care about Wisconsin’s future speak up for this important investment. This is a fluid process and things will change quickly, so check the Action Center regularly to see the latest news.
3/8/23
Joint Finance Committee schedules budget hearings
The Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee will take public testimony on the state budget during four hearings around the state, starting April 5 in Waukesha. That will be followed by an April 11 hearing in Eau Claire, April 21 in the Wisconsin Dells and April 26 in Minocqua.
The committee is following a similar timeline as two years ago, when it did three public hearings around Wisconsin and a fourth virtually. Those hearings began April 9 with the final hearing April 28. The committee also called four agency heads to testify in the Capitol before the traditional budget road show and had its first executive session on the budget May 6.
Like two years ago, the public hearings will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees will be asked to register upon arrival so they can be added to the queue to testify.
Co-chairs Mark Born, R-Beaver Dam, and Howard Marklein, R-Spring Green, also announced an online portal and dedicated email address for public comments. The feedback will be distributed to all committee members.
The co-chairs were also working on scheduling agency briefings before the committee.
See the release. You can view the post online here: https://www.wispolitics.com/2023/jfc-schedules-four-public-hearings-on-budget
2/16/23
Gov. Evers proposes historic investment to bolster Wisconsin’s creative sector Action Center created to advocate for the Artistic Endowment Fund
Gov. Evers’ 2023-2025 budget proposal includes a difference-making economic driver through support for Wisconsin’s creative sector.
“Governor Tony Evers’ proposed historic investment in Wisconsin’s unique cultural and artistic assets will bolster state and local efforts to attract and retain talent, particularly young working age adults, as well as expanding access for all and improving the quality of life in communities across the state,” said Create Wisconsin Executive Director Anne Katz.
Governor Evers’ 2023-25 budget, introduced on February 15, would establish a one-time appropriation of $100 million to establish an Artistic Endowment Fund and increase funding for the Wisconsin Arts Board by $552,500 GPR over the biennium to maximize the drawdown of available federal funds and continue supporting individuals and organizations engaged in the arts. A Wisconsin Artistic Endowment Foundation would be created to manage the endowment fund. Interest earnings generated from these funds will be used to support arts and cultural programs, businesses, and opportunities throughout the state through both this foundation and the Wisconsin Arts Board.
Local leaders throughout the state understand that investments in cultural and artistic assets will help their communities thrive, according to Katz. But Wisconsin has lagged in investment in its creative economy, especially among its Midwest neighbors, she said. Although the creative sector is a $9.6 million economic driver for Wisconsin, the state’s 0.14 cents per capita spending for arts and culture in 2022, was the lowest in the nation and far below Minnesota’s $7.34 per capita. Destination Iowa, established in 2022 is a $100 million investment to bolster the quality of life in Iowa’s communities and attract visitors and new residents to the state.
In addition to the historic investment in the arts and creativity, Gov. Evers has proposed significant investment in Wisconsin’s tourism economy, which will bolster cultural tourism throughout the state.
Mal Montoya, Board Chair of Create Wisconsin and President of the Milwaukee Artist Resource Network, said that Create Wisconsin and partners look forward to working closely with Gov. Evers and state legislators as they deliberate the 2023-25 Biennial State Budget. He said that investment in the Artistic Endowment Foundation recognizes Wisconsin’s bountiful creative assets and makes the state more competitive as a great place to live, work, and play.
