Another state representative is voicing his opinion about the shutdown of Wisconsin Eye.
The cable channel is seen as Wisconsin’s version of C-Span and provides videos of hearings in the Wisconsin Legislature.
3rd District Representative Ron Tusler says while he believes the media group offers a very important service, it’s considered a private company, and should not be reliant only on taxpayer dollars.
“Now their finances are a mixture of private donations and taxpayer money paid from the State of Wisconsin to them in our contracts,” he stated. “In our last contract, signed by both Democrats and Republicans, we agreed to match their fundraising up to $10 million. They raised nothing; therefore, they have nothing.”
Tusler also said the state has bailed out Wisconsin Eye previously.
“Giving them $250,000 of your taxpayer money to keep the cameras rolling,” he explained. “They used up the money, but they didn’t raise anymore money, and they didn’t trigger that $10 million. Therefore, they ran out of money again.”
The Harrison Republican finished a video he posted on his YouTube page asking residents what he thinks should be done.
Right now, only credentialed members of the press are allowed to record sessions or committee hearings.
Tusler also noted that leadership in both political parties are currently working on a funding deal so “Wisconsin’s C-Span” can resume operations while also putting them in the strongest position to remain financially secure in the future, while not reliant on tax dollars.
According to Wisconsin Eye’s Fundraising page, they’ve raised about $40,000 for their GoFundMe campaign as they look to raise $250,000 to cover three months of their operating budget.
