The budget forced through the Wisconsin legislature by Republicans takes effect today, and there certainly will be some changes taking place throughout the state as a result. Regardless of the political drama that captivated the nation leading to this bill, what most people care about is how it will actually affect [1] their daily lives. At the most basic level, people want to know if this bill leave them better off. For most Wisconsinites, the answer is a definite no.
This bill will make life more difficult for
- Working families trying to raise kids (the bill reduces tax credits by $65m)
- Anyone on Medicaid ($500m in cuts)
- University of Wisconsin students (5.5% tuition hike)
- Children of undocumented immigrants (no more in-state rates)
- Middle school students who dream of going to college (a program that helps qualified students get financial aid)
- Public servants of all kinds (retirement age raised)
There were, however, a few beneficiaries:
- Former President Ronald Reagan (Feb. 6 is now "Ronald Reagan Day")
- People who are rich enough or have enough rich friends to run for office without public financing (it’s no longer available)