Walker's 2010 budget proposal is superficial and deceptive

Here is the press release we sent out this morning regarding Scott Walker’s proposed 2010 budget:

Milwaukee County Executive and Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Walker formally presented his 2010 proposed budget for Milwaukee County today. Much like a Hollywood studio set, the budget looks nice on the surface, but proves to be just a façade once one takes a closer look.
Preliminary reviews of the budget reveal that Walker is again balancing his budget, and his campaign efforts, on the backs of the poor, the elderly, the tax payers and county workers. Areas of concern include the closing of several swimming pools, including both indoor pools; cutting park services; closing both community centers; cutting needed bus lines while pandering to a school that very likely won’t ever be built by suggesting a specially dedicated rapid transit route; counting on revenues that are unlikely to be realized; drastic cuts to the services being offered through the elimination of hundreds of workers; and raising taxes on those least able to afford the additional costs.

“That is not to say that there are not good aspects of the budget proposal,” said Chris Liebenthal, Milwaukee County First Chair. “For example, as noted by several County Board Supervisors, it is good to see that Scott Walker has finally come to understand the value of President Obama’s stimulus plan, which he had previously condemned, and is eagerly utilizing it to rectify some of the disrepair that has occurred over the past several years of neglect.”

“While the water parks in the suburbs are nice, they should not come at the expense of services and facilities needed by the poor, the elderly and other vulnerable citizens that depend on them,” continued Liebenthal. “It is again incumbent upon the County Board to take this budget and restore the services where they are needed, and not just wanted. Unfortunately, based on some of today’s actions from the Board, it is unclear if they still have the fortitude to continue putting Milwaukee County first ahead of their own personal goals.”

The proposed budget, and the reactions to it, shows the importance of an organization like MCF, to serve as watchdog and advocate for Milwaukee County citizens, including the demand for a dedicated funding source for our parks, transit and emergency medical systems.

Look for a more detailed breakdown of the budget, section by section in the days to come.  Also look for our recommendations for feasible ways to help resolve the deficit the County finds itself in as well as some longer term solutions as well.