The Wisconsin state budget process involves 7 steps: the governor introduces a proposal; the Legislative Fiscal Bureau releases an analysis; the Joint Finance Committee holds hearings and debates provisions, then recommends a budget; the Assembly and Senate vote; approved bills are reconciled if needed; and the governor signs or vetoes the budget. The document provides details on the current Joint Finance Committee members and notes that today marks the beginning of the budget process.

1. Wisconsin State Budget

2. Step 1: Governor Introduces a proposal

3. Step 2: Legislative Fiscal Bureau releases a “plain English” memo

4. JOINT FINANCE COMMITTEE Sen. Miller, Co-chair Rep. Pocan, Co-chair Senators Democrats: Hansen Lassa Lehman Robson Taylor Republicans: Darling Olsen Representatives Democrats: Colon Grigsby Mason Sherman Shilling Republicans: Montgomery Vos 2009-2011

6. Step 3: JFC holds regional Hearings

7. Step 4: JFC debates provisions

8. Step 5: JFC recommends a budget to the Assembly & Senate

9. Step 6: Both houses vote on the Budget

10. Step 7: Approved bills in each house either match or need to be reconciled

11. Step 8: Budget is either signed or vetoed by the Governor

12. TODAY JAN. 1

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