State Senate Passes Its Budget Plan

MADISON, Wis. -- The Wisconsin Senate passed its plan Tuesday to solve the state's budget shortfall, but it's a lot different from the plan passed earlier by the Assembly.

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That means there are now three proposals on the table to solve the $527-million budget shortfall.

The bill that the Democratic-controlled Senate passed on an 18-14 vote includes a tax on hospitals that is opposed by Republicans who control the Assembly. It also has a delay in school aid payments that Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle doesn't want.

The Senate plan also includes closing a tax loophole that would cost corporations $130 million over the next 15 months. That wasn't included in either Doyle's proposal or the one passed by the Republican-led Assembly. The Senate plan also includes a $2 addition to state rental car fees to start a commuter rail line from Kenosha to Racine and Milwaukee.

Republicans criticized multiple aspects of the Democrats' repair bill.

"We are passing a bill today that no family in Wisconsin would dare suggest as a solution to their personal financial crisis," said Mike Ellis, R-Neenah.

"It is not perfect. It is a compromise and it will be a start when we go to conference to make a decision that's going to be in the best interest of the people of this state," said Dave Hansen, D-Green Bay.

A special bipartisan committee of lawmakers from both houses will be called together to work out a compromise unless a deal is reached in private first.