Gov. Jim Doyle struck a grave tone in his State of the State address Thursday evening, as he warned that Wisconsin's disastrous fiscal situation will bring tough times to the state.
\This isn't the kind of speech I wanted to give,"" Doyle told the joint Legislature and guests. ""There's a lot we'll have to do we'd rather not, but we are going to get through this together.""
The governor focused the bulk of his speech on the massive deficit facing the state over the next two years and his determination not to fix the deficit through tax increases. The state must swallow a $452 million shortfall this year and a projected $3.2 billion void during the 2003-2005 budget cycle.
Reiterating a campaign promise, Doyle said he would consider every possible solution to fixing the budget except raising taxes. He said he would wait to reveal the details of his budget plan until his address Feb. 18, but he did indicate that all programs and services would be subject to consolidation and cuts.
""We will review every program to ensure it makes sense--not just its proposed increase, but the base level of funding too,"" he said.
The state has overspent its means for too long, he said, more than doubling its spending in the last 15 years. He also lamented how the state sold its tobacco settlement to cover the last budget deficit.
Doyle did not linger on mistakes of the past. He rallied those in attendance to multiple standing ovations as he promised to improve education and health care, stimulate the state's economy and preserve its environment.
Standing before a Legislature dominated by Republicans, he emphasized that bipartisan cooperation would be essential for tackling the deficit.
""Republicans and Democrats got in this mess together--never forget that that's the only way we're going to get out,"" he said, later adding, ""In lean times, we can't afford luxuries--least of all the mindless extravagance called 'politics as usual'.""
Assembly Speaker John Gard, R-Peshtigo, welcomed Doyle's overture as more than rhetoric. Gard said he was optimistic that Republicans could work together with Doyle, because they have essentially the same goals.
""As long as he stays focused on creating jobs, not raising taxes and improving schools, he's going to have a lot of support of legislators,"" Gard said. ""I know as the leader of the Republican Assembly Caucus, we believe he gave a speech on our agenda tonight.""
Republicans and Democrats alike received Doyle's dire prediction without surprise. State Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, said the governor did a good job of honestly portraying the problem, which would challenge members of both houses.
""Now of course the difficult part comes, which is of course the details of how we're going to balance the budget and yet be true to our commitment to the environment and education like commitment to health care for the most unfortunate,"" Black said.
However, while those in attendance readied themselves for the belt-tightening ahead, many echoed Doyle's optimistic tone, including state Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, the longest serving member of the Senate.
""I've served with 11 different governors and I've heard this story before, and while the numbers are larger now, the problems have existed before and they'll be worked out,"" Risser said.
