 This week, I am joining
a group of governors to meet and speak with the brave
National Guardsmen and Reservists currently deployed overseas in the Middle East.
One of the greatest
honors I have as governor of Wisconsin is being Commander-in-Chief of more than
10,000 soldiers and airmen in the Wisconsin National Guard. Throughout the
week, I’ll have the chance to speak with these brave men and women personally and
thank them for their dedication and service on behalf of Wisconsin.
The holidays are
quickly approaching, and we know this time of year is an especially difficult
time to be so far from loved ones. While here, I’m reminding the members of our
National Guard that my family and I join the citizens of Wisconsin in praying
for their safe return home very soon.
When I ran for
reelection in 2014, I made it clear I would not support increases to the gas
tax or vehicle registration fee without corresponding decreases in other state
taxes. I am going to keep that promise to the people of Wisconsin.
In our upcoming budget
proposal, we will put forth a transportation plan that focuses on the safety and maintenance
of Wisconsin’s roads and bridges. Specifically, the plan will provide:
- More
transportation funding for all levels of local government.
- The most funding
in state history for our State Highway Rehabilitation Program.
- A commitment to
traffic safety and road maintenance with significant increases in funding for
pavement preservation, new signs, lighting, etc.
- The lowest level
of borrowing since the 2001-2003 state budget, and
- A commitment to
long-term major projects.
Our plan does all of
this without raising taxes or fees. If the Assembly’s leadership plan is to
raise taxes it would come as a surprise to November voters. Wisconsin
Republicans were elected in 2010 to lower taxes and rein in an out-of-control
government. We cannot now, after six years in charge, turn our backs on the
people who placed their trust in us to make good on that promise.
December 7, 1941, will
forever be remembered in history as “a date which will live in infamy,” and
marks the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Today, 75 years later,
we honor those who risked their lives and well-being to protect our country
from harm, we remember those who lost their lives, and we stand with those who
continue to fight for America today.
Today, and every day,
we honor the brave members of our Armed Forces, both past and present. These
brave individuals make the conscious decision to put their nation before
themselves. They leave their homes and their families, often putting themselves
in harm’s way in order to protect our freedoms and ideals. We bear in mind the
debt of gratitude owed to them for defending our communities, our state, and
the United States of America.
We enjoy sharing all the great news about our state with you. It is an honor to serve as your Governor and represent the people of Wisconsin.
Sincerely,
 Governor Scott Walker
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