State Budget Shortfall Projected At $1.8 Billion

Projections released Monday by the Legislative Fiscal Bureau are showing that the shortfall for the next two-year state budget now stands at almost $1.8 billion. Democrats were quick to jump on that news. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos accuses Democrats of “looking for clouds on a sunny day,” saying that state is moving in the right direction with unemployment down, more jobs being created and new businesses opening their doors. But Senator Jennifer Shilling says they’re merely reflecting reality. She says her colleagues are unwilling to admit there’s a problem and they can’t do anything to move forward on the budget crisis as long as Republicans continue to ignore the fact. A spokeswoman for Governor Scott Walker said the state could see revenue growth in future years, while taking new steps to control spending.