A large shadow will loom over the Wisconsin Legislature as they discuss possible COVID-19 relief bills this week. According to the Wisconsin Policy Forum, state spending is projected to outpace its revenues by over $370 million during the next two-year budget. Much of that gap can be contributed to the impact the pandemic has had on local businesses. Rep. Joel Kitchens suggests the number is better than what was expected compared to just a few months ago.

Kitchens says it will be a balancing act knowing what needs to be done in the short term and the ramifications of what the pandemic caused for the long-term.

In terms of other bills of local interest like those addressing water quality concerns, Kitchens believes it is likely those will have to be taken up when the new session begins next year.