Wis. budget debate to begin under security

Debate over Wisconsin’s next budget was scheduled to begin Tuesday under heightened security in the state Capitol, with the likelihood that lawmakers will once again vote on taking away collective bargaining rights for public workers. The budget slashes spending on public schools by $800 million, reduces the ability to make up the difference through property tax increases, cuts University of Wisconsin System funding by $250 million, orders about $500 million be cut from the state’s Medicaid programs and puts an enrollment cap on the Family Care program designed to keep poor, elderly people out of nursing homes. (AP, 6/14)