State aid to local governments is off Gov. Doyle's budget chopping block, at least for now.
Doyle tells the Wisconsin Counties Association today he will preserve the state's one billion-dollar aid program to cities, towns and villages in the first year of his two-year budget.
Doyle says local governments already have their budgets set. He says they're counting on that cash to help run police and fire departments and health programs.
But he says the program could get cut in the second year, even though he's trying to avoid it.
Wisconsin faces a three-point-two billion-dollar shortfall for the period through June 30, 2005, because projected revenue doesn't cover requested spending.
Doyle is working to balance the budget. It will be tough since he's promised not to raise taxes.
