Wisconsin’s Assembly Democrats will hold 43 listening sessions across the state to discuss solutions for the problems they say have been posed by Gov. Scott McCallum’s state budget deficit proposal. Four hearings were held last weekend; the others are scheduled to take place within the next few weeks.

A group of 150 attended the public hearings held last weekend in Ashland and Hurley. Rep. Gary Sherman, D-Port Wing, and Sen. Bob Jauch, D-Poplar, sponsored the sessions.

Sherman said when the original budget was approved last year, there was more time to debate the plan than there is this year. Sherman said citizens and lawmakers are concerned about the damage the governor’s bill would do to local government.

“[Citizens are] angry the governor would balance the budget so unevenly,” Sherman said. “For example, if there is some reduction in shared revenue, it should be distributed more evenly.”

The cuts to local governments and municipalities are done unevenly, Sherman said, and, particularly in rural areas, the cuts will devastate communities.

“In rural areas, the potential for combining governments has long ago been reached,” Sherman said. “They have done all they can.”

Sherman said although he is not in the position to amend the governor’s budget proposal, he plans to work with those who can lobby and actively discuss the bill.

Rep. Frank Lassee, R-Bellvue, said public hearings are a good way to talk about issues and bills, but Democrats are not talking about changes to the governor’s plan — they are merely complaining. Lassee also said the Democrats’ hearings are neither fair nor constructive.

“Democrats are carping and complaining about the governor’s proposal,” Lassee said. “They need to be fair about the hearings and come up with a proposal, take it around and see what people think.”

Lassee said he is pleased the governor does not plan to raise taxes, but he is disappointed in the governor’s plan to use the state’s tobacco settlement fund to repair the budget.

McCallum said he welcomes criticism to his plan but expects lawmakers to offer alternate solutions if they complain.

Lassee said he thinks cuts should be more evenly distributed and should include cuts to K-12 education.

Assembly Republicans, he said, are going to come up with ideas about balancing the budget.

“Democrats should step up to the plate and start doing their part,” Lassee said.

Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, said citizens are concerned the governor’s plan is unfair, and the listening sessions will give Democrats a better idea about what their constituents want changed in the governor’s plan.

“This will give the public the chance to be heard,” Black said. “Based on what the public has to say, we will be fully prepared to offer some changes.”

Black said this is important because citizens have not had the chance to be heard before changes are made.

“We will be prepared to make some recommendations,” Black said. “But we want to listen to the public first.”

Rep. Stephen Nass, R-Whitewater, said the public hearings are unofficial and it is important to offer suggestions right now.