Freshman legislators temper goals with budget realities

Link to January 2 Eau Claire Leader-Telegram article.

Excerpt:
Newly elected state legislators often head to Madison with big dreams of all they can accomplish - and spend - for their districts.

But things are a little different for the freshman class of 2009.
Sure, the three representatives-elect from west-central Wisconsin still believe they will be able help their constituents, but they recognize that filling the state's $5.4 billion budget hole will dominate the agenda.

The Democratic trio - Kristen Dexter of Eau Claire, Chris Danou of Trempealeau and Mark Radcliffe of Black River Falls - has gone through orientation programs for new Assembly members and hopes to hit the ground running after inauguration ceremonies on Monday.