The 2023-25 Biennial State Budget
On Feb. 15, Gov. Tony Evers laid out his 2023-25 budget proposal including initiatives addressing PFAS and lead contamination in drinking water, clean energy solutions to combat the climate crisis, and improving access to the ballot. His proposal keeps the health and economic wellbeing of Wisconsinites front and center.
Republicans in the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) have already stripped out our asks for expanding clean energy jobs, improving access to the ballot, and wild rice restoration – even though communities around the state support these initiatives.
But thanks to the pressure put on by conservation voters like you, the JFC voted to allocate $125 million to a trust fund for PFAS. This is a huge step to ensuring everyone has safe drinking water, but we still have work to do to make sure we pass the legislation that allows this funding to be spent and distributed to communities equitably and efficiently. We’re committed to continuing conversations with impacted community members, public health partners, and members in the legislature.
Our request to support a Local Government Grant Resource team is still moving forward in the state budget process.
Conservation voters across the state have advocated for these issues for years: clean water, clean air, a healthy environment, and a healthy democracy. At Conservation Lobby Day on April 25, we continued that momentum to get our priorities in the state budget.
Let’s be clear – because of your advocacy over years, addressing PFAS contamination in our water is now a top issue for state officials. After years of organizing, they heard you loud and clear: Wisconsinites need clean water.
In her speech about the issue of PFAS at Lobby Day, Town of Campbell Supervisor Lee Donahue said, “Living with toxic water affects the health and safety of every resident. Every time you reach to turn on the tap, to make a bottle of formula, fill your child’s bath tub, brush their teeth, or fill your coffee pot, you are reminded your water is toxic."
Building a powerful and inclusive movement means letting impacted communities lead. We will continue to fight for our priorities and build a movement everyone has access to.
