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Rep. Swearingen Says Task Force Items In Budget

Wisconsin.gov

Rhinelander Republican Rob Swearingen went along with the majority in the Assembly late Wednesday,  sending to Governor Walker the biennial budget to consider.

 Swearingen says portions of the bill reflect the work he did as chair of a Task Force on rural schools...

"....allowing schools to share grades..allowing internet providers to extend high-speed internet access. We created a new version of the TEACH program, we increased funding for (school) transportation aid, sparcity aid and we're allowing some flexibility in the area of high-tech education for teachers..."

 Swearingen also says some money for Family Care will be coming to the Northwoods for the first time...

"...which prior to this budget basically did not cover the entire 34th Assembly District. So now Oneida, Vilas, Forest and Florence counties will be covered under the Family Care program so I'm pretty excited about that..."

Family Care provides long-term care. Eleven majority Republicans voted no when the Assembly votes were taken, as did all Democrats.  The  package is the same one passed Tuesday night by the Senate.

On their Facebook page, Wisconsin Assembly Democrats said buried within the budget are 135 non-budget policy items. They say those items are attacks on public education, democracy, environmental protections and labor rights.

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