Gov. Walker: Saving for a Rainy Day

This week, Governor Scott Walker delivered the following weekly radio address titled Saving For a Rainy Day.

Hi, I’m Scott Walker.

Everyone who does a budget at home knows that it takes hard work and frugality to make ends meet. Having a little extra cash left over to save, is an even bigger challenge.

Well, the same goes for the state budget. I’m happy to tell you that for fiscal year 2012 which just ended, our balance sheet shows a surplus of money.

Because of this, we are able to add nearly $109 million to the state’s rainy day fund.  This is a pretty big deal – in fact – it’s the largest contribution to the rainy day fund in state history. 

We put money into the fund last year, too, and this is the first time in state history money has been added to the rainy day fund in back-to-back years.

We’ve all seen in recent years how quickly the economy can crumble, dealing a blow to families and businesses.  It’s important to budget wisely – spend LESS and save MORE – so when you really need that extra cushion – it’s there.

Moving forward, as we work on the next state budget, we will continue to focus on what is best for future generations.  Our priorities are creating jobs and developing our workforce, investing in infrastructure and reforming education. 

The decisions we make will ALWAYS be made with you, the people of Wisconsin in mind.  We are committed to running an effective and EFFICIENT government, so that we can provide necessary services, without breaking YOUR budget.

The state partnered with the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association to produce and distribute brief radio address once a week.  Audio files and a written transcript of this radio address can be accessed on http://www.wi-broadcasters.org and http://walker.wi.gov/Weekly-Radio-Addresses.  To download an mp3 file, you can right click the radio address link and click “save link as.”