The Wisconsin Assembly approved a new two year state budget early this morning by a 56-40 vote. Spending increases 6.4%, while the percentage of funds generated by sales taxes goes up 9.9%. Governor Doyle proposed a 16% (!) increase in road projects to 4.4billion. Republicans added $93M to that, creating a 18% increase in road spending. State support for local school spending grows 8.6% (458M) to 5.3billion (Doyle proposed a $938M increase, “paid” for by additional state borrowing and transfers from other programs).

• Phil Brinkman does a great job summarizing the budget. I appreciate the fact that he included total spending dollars along with the increases.
• Stacy Forster and Patrick Marley also summarize the Assembly’s budget.
• WisPolitics’ Budget Blog tracks the Assembly’s activities.