Tony Evers again calls on GOP lawmakers to provide $3.7 million for homeless [View all]

By Molly Beck


MADISON - Democratic Gov. Tony Evers made a rare move Monday by calling on Republican lawmakers to act on funding he wants to help people who live outdoors during Wisconsin's harsh winters.

But GOP leaders of the Legislature's finance committee rejected Evers' call made in a letter asking the committee to meet Thursday to act on $3.7 million the governor wants set aside annually to pay for housing grants, homeless shelters, services for the homeless and new staff to coordinate the efforts.

"Winter struck hard and early this year, including early and heavy snowfall for much of the state," Evers says in the letter. "The proposal was sent to the Joint Finance Committee in July, specifically to avoid the current situation. The Wisconsinites most vulnerable to the harsh winter are going without the services and assistance they desperately need during the coldest months of the year."

Sen. Alberta Darling of River Hills and Rep. John Nygren of Marinette in a letter to Evers said legitimate concerns over the funding still exist and that the committee won't be meeting. Darling and Nygren did not say what those concerns are.

Read more: https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2019/12/16/tony-evers-again-calls-gop-lawmakers-provide-3-7-m-homeless/2665999001/
(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)