Gov. Jim Doyle announced Monday the state government would likely face severe consequences if a compromise on the budget repair bill is not reached in seven to 10 days.
The governor said he would like to see this get done as quickly as possible ... we are in ongoing discussions with legislative leaders about an agreement"" Doyle Press Secretary Jessica Erickson said.
Erickson said she could not comment on what specific consequences would occur if talks broke down.
Budget negotiations were over 118 days late last fall, affecting local governments and colleges statewide.
UW System spokesperson David Giroux said he does not know of a budget deadline that would affect universities around the state, but a rapid solution is preferable.
Carrie Lynch, spokesperson for state Sen. Russ Decker, D-Weston, said all areas of the budget are still being negotiated, but lawmakers are working as quickly as possible to outline a comprehensive proposal.
Members of the Democratically-controlled Senate have previously stated closing some corporate tax ""loopholes"" would help solve the budget process, but Republican leaders oppose it.
Senate Democrats and Doyle also favor an increased tax on hospitals they said would bring in over $400 million in federal money for health care costs, though Republicans stated they are against the proposal.
John Murray, spokesperson for Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch, R-West Salem, said he remains optimistic about a compromise between lawmakers, and that they are working quickly.
""We certainly know that there is a time sensitivity to this, and we're hoping to get this done as soon as possible,"" Murray said.
Murray said the Republican-controlled Assembly is looking to cut spending rather than raise taxes to make up the deficit.
Jim Bender, spokesperson for Assembly Majority Leader Jeff Fitzgerald, R-Horicon, also said Assembly Republicans would not like to see tax increases or new taxes in the budget during a time of an uncertain economy.
However, Bender said all issues are still being discussed and open to negotiation.
Bender said there has been good communication between all parties, which is a positive indicator a compromise would be made.
