Politics & Government

Holloway: State Should Soften Financial Blow to Milwaukee County

County Board Chairman comments after new projections were released today.

With news today that the state will receive $636 million more over the next three years than originally projected, Milwaukee County Board Chairman Lee Holloway called on the state Legislature to reverse cuts to key county services.

Holloway wants the state to undo transit cuts, lift the FamilyCare enrollment cap, increase child-support assistance and help close the county's funding gap, according to a news release.

"We have no local funding options other than the property tax," Holloway said. "I’m asking the state to do anything it can to narrow the funding gap for Milwaukee County and restore job access via the transit system."

Find out what's happening in Greenfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Holloway said the state budget proposal would cut transit funding by 10 percent and "kill the economic thrust of Milwaukee County." The county also stands to lose $3.8 million in child-support funding, which means 38 jobs cut, Holloway said. 

Gov. Scott Walker said in a statement that he wants to use the money to pay off debt. Other Republicans made similar comments, according to the Wisconsin Radio Network

Find out what's happening in Greenfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I look forward to working with the legislature to continue making the responsible financial decisions that encourages long-term economic growth," Walker said.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here