PORK IN WISCONSIN???? You bet...

SOURCE: NBC-26

The State of Wisconsin is facing more than a 6 billion dollar budget deficit but that is not stopping some legislators from doling out money for what opponents call "pet projects" "The fact that these were slipped in at 2 or 3 in the morning after 12 hours of debate behind closed door is suspect," said Rep. Phil Montgomery (R-Green Bay).

In the current budget proposal which has been approved by the Joint Finance Committee, $46,000 was earmarked for Wrightstown for new recycling bins. $100,000 is planned for a beautification project in Bellevue, according to Republican staffers. $500,000 is earmarked for the Oshkosh Opera House. And then there is the earmark that is drawing a lot of scrutiny from Republicans: a grant for $100,000 for the restoration of a stone barn in the Town of Chase in Oconto County. Sen. Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) helped secure the funding for the project. "I'm not being apologetic for something was good for community," said Sen. Hansen, "They can attack a small community that is really struggling in Oconto County, and that stone barn has real potential to make a difference in the Town of Chase."

Members of the Restoration Committee for the Historic Barn were pleasantly surprised by money. "I don't look at it as just a barn," said organizer Chris Jaworski, "We are trying to preserve the agricultural history of the state." They believe the barn will bring both tourists, and new jobs to the community. Others, like. Rep. Montgomery do not believe funds for projects like this belong the budget bill.

The budget bill passed through the Joint Finance Committee, but still must go through the legislature and be signed by the Governor before it becomes law.