WAUWATOSA -- Gov. Scott Walker remains optimistic a state budget will be hammered out and signed into effect sometime this month.
Walker took questions from reporters while in Wauwatosa Tuesday morning to participate in the city's annual Fourth of July parade.
"We'll be meeting with lawmakers and I would anticipate this would get done, I would expect, sometime here in July," Walker said. "Two years ago we signed (the budget) July 12. I don't know if we'll get to that date, but maybe sometime in July."
"Our $500-million (in bonding) is the lowest since 9/11 and the Senate wants to add more, the Assembly would like to go lower," Walker added of the negotiations. "What we've suggested is, as opposed to raising a tax, we have a series of things we could do to lower that by an additional $200-million, which we think would be attractive to those in the Senate."
Walker said he was participating in the parade with a heavy heart, following the passing of former State Senator Ted Kanavas (R-Brookfield) on Monday.
"He had a courageous battle. He fought for about two years and will be sorely missed," Walker said. "He did a great job in the State Senate, as well as locally on the school board, and was just a vibrant personality."
As Walker and other elected officials participate take part in parades and Independence Day celebrations across the country, the Governor also addressed concerns surrounding security.
Last month, Rep. Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana), was shot during an attack by a lone gunman on Republican lawmakers participating in a baseball practice in Washington.
"Obviously law enforcement is mindful of watching out for things, but I think part of the freedoms we have are the freedoms to be out and publicly associate. I hope that'll continue," Walker said.
