Senate Republicans revealed their 'Kitchen Table Priorities' Spring 2006 Agenda Wednesday, outlining priorities such as health -care reform, energy, taxes, spending and jobs'issues Republicans say people are talking about in their homes.
'We need to get taxes under control. The constituents continually tell us that they are overburdened with taxes that are widely considered to be some of the highest in the nation,' said Lori VanNatta, spokesperson for Assistant Majority Leader Sen. Neal Kedzie, R-Elkhorn.
Todd Allbaugh, communications director for Senate Majority Leader Dale Shultz, R-Richland Center, said taxes and spending, as well as health care, are the most important parts of the four part agenda.
'Senate Republicans are looking at a proposed bill by Senator Grothman which will limit spending at all levels of government,' said Allbaugh. 'Really, you can't talk about taxes until you talk about limiting spending.'
Allbaugh said Health Savings Accounts will be made more affordable and more available.
'So if you want to put $25 away a month every month, to save up for some dental work or a new pair of glasses you can do that without having to worry about paying taxes on that money,' he said.
State Sen. Carol Roessler, R-Oshkosh, touched on the issue of jobs, saying the Investing Wisconsin Initiative would bring about more high paying jobs.
Roessler also mentioned the health care reform.
'When 40-some other states have a tax deduction for health savings accounts and Wisconsin doesn't'that's a very negative signal,' Roessler said.
Senate Democrats said they are delighted many Republicans are addressing issues that are important to Democrats.
'We are pleased that the Republicans are following the Democratic lead and talking about health care, talking about energy, talking about jobs,' said Kelley Flury, spokesperson for Senate Minority Leader Judy Robson, D-Beloit. 'They call it their kitchen table priorities and that's what Democrats have been talking about for months and months.'
Shultz said he remains optimistic about the Republican's spring session.
'With the remaining months of 2005-to-2006 legislative session we plan to build on the successes of our fall agenda by focusing on issues that working families gather around their kitchen tables to discuss,' Schultz said in a statement.
