Former Republican Congressman Mark Neumann formally announced his campaign for Governor on Wednesday promising that if elected he'll hold state spending below the rate of inflation.
Neumann says his office would keep state spending a full percentage point lower than the rate of inflation. He says that covers all funds, whether they come from state tax dollars or federal dollars. Neumann says any surplus would go toward tax relief.
"It's an absolute as far as I'm concerned," Neumann says. "Look at how much money the state spent in the year before I take office and you can be assured that the year after that, and you should hold me accountable on this, that spending will go up by not more than one percent less than the rate of inflation in the following year and hopefully less."
Neumann's plan could require deep cuts to state government if he were in charge of the next budget. Right out of the gate, the state will be facing a structural deficit of around $2. That number assumes state agencies won't get any increase in spending and it assumes the economy will rebound.
Neumann says his experience in the private sector makes him uniquely qualified among the candidates when it comes to dealing with economic issues. So far, Neumann is facing Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker in the Republican primary for Governor.
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Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton is the only announced candidate among Democrats. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and La Crosse Congressman Ron Kind are still considering runs for Governor. Former Republican U.S. Senate Candidate and construction executive Tim Michels is also considering jumping into the race.
