KAUKAUNA, Wis. (WFRV) – The debate over Wisconsin’s next budget kicked off as lawmakers held the first of four public hearings in Kaukauna. The Joint Finance Committee gathered input from residents on key issues such as school funding, infrastructure, and economic policy. Jackson Elem entary hosts Quilting Blessing & Celebration, sewing life skills through quilting Among those urging for increased state funding was State Superintendent Jill Underly. "So it all goes back to funding. Whether we want kids to be successful in the classroom, reduce class sizes, or retain teachers, it all goes back to funding, and this budget represents a tremendous opportunity for us to reinvest in our Wisconsin future," Underly said. Governor Tony Evers’ proposed budget focuses on reinvesting in public schools, infrastructure, and economic relief for working families. However, Democrats argue that their efforts are being undermined by what they describe as "chaos" in Washington. "What Republicans in Washington are doing is hurting Wisconsin families. They are raising prices at the gas pump, buying cars, and making massive cuts. These prices are going to go up because of what Republicans in Washington are doing," said State Senator Kelda Roys (D-Madison). On the Republican side, lawmakers emphasized the importance of hearing directly from Wisconsinites and maintaining fiscal responsibility. "This is the first of four public hearings around the state, as we've done many times in the past. We are conducting these public hearings all over the state of Wisconsin. This is an important step in the process in putting the budget together," said State Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green). Republicans also stressed that negotiation will be key in finalizing the state budget. "The budget is a compromised document. The two houses compromise and talk about things all the time, so I think there's always an opportunity to compromise, whether it's between the houses or with the governor's office," Marklein added. Among those testifying at the hearing were local labor leaders, educators, and business owners. Many voiced concerns about rising costs and the potential impact of federal funding cuts on state programs. "Yesterday, we heard loud and clear that Wisconsin is not a place where people want to give the state away to billionaires, but rather a place where we want to invest in working men and women and working families so they can succeed, and that's what Governor Evers’ budget does," said State Representative Tip McGuire (D-Kenosha). The hearing followed Tuesday’s Wisconsin Supreme Court election, where Democrat-backed Susan Crawford defeated former Attorney General Brad Schimel. Republicans say the result follows a recent trend of lower GOP turnout in spring elections. Wisconsin Timber Rattlers hold rummage sale featuring game-worn items at a discount "I think in some ways it kind of went the way spring elections have gone. Obviously, lower turnout than the fall elections. Democrats have done a better job in getting their voters out to these spring elections, and I think that’s what happened last night," said State Representative Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam). The next Joint Finance Committee public hearing will take place in West Allis on Friday, April 4, with stops in Hayward and Wausau later this month. ...read more read less