What do you want to see our state Legislature

BUDGET BAIT & SWITCH – State Sen. Jeff Smith (D-Eau Claire) is calling out majority Republicans for not being transparent about getting public input on the state’s next biennial budget.

The Joint Finance Committee recently finished holding four public hearings around Wisconsin, but Smith points out that nobody there could actually comment on what the final budget bill is likely to be since Republicans haven’t written it yet.

Smith says instead of talking about general concepts, Republicans should allow public input on the specifics of a bill once they write it.

That Republican bill, whenever it’s written, is what will likely be passed by the Senate and Assembly and sent to Gov. Tony Evers for his signature or some form of a veto.

NATURE AND SERVICE VOLUNTEERS CUT – The latest cuts from President Trump and Elon Musk affect more than 400 community volunteers in Wisconsin.

They are part of nationwide cuts to AmeriCorps, a program that for more than 30 years has allowed more than 1 million Americans to participate in community service with nonprofit groups, ranging from conservation to health care, from homelessness to helping youth in crisis.

In many instances, Trump and Musk have claimed the programs they are cutting are engaged in waste, fraud, and abuse or specialize in diversity, equity, and inclusion programs that they oppose.

State Rep. Jodi Emerson, an Eau Claire Democrat, said no one can figure out what would prompt a president to make cuts that impact Beaver Creek Reserve, Western Dairyland, Girl Scouts, and other service and education projects.