WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. — With less than six weeks until Election Day, the candidates in Wisconsin’s gubernatorial race are putting an increased focus on affordability and the cost of living.
Democrat David Crowley and Republican Tom Tiffany spoke separately Tuesday at the Wisconsin Counties Association’s annual conference in Wisconsin Dells as the race enters its final stretch.
Crowley said affordability is consistently one of the biggest concerns he hears while campaigning across the state.
“We know that the affordability crisis is on the top of mind of everybody,” said Crowley. “We want to focus on how we’re going to lower costs.”
Crowley has emphasized health care, education and other household expenses as part of his economic message. He also faced questions Tuesday about whether his upcoming Milwaukee County budget proposal could include a tax increase, saying the budget proposal is still being finalized.
Tiffany said rising costs are also a major concern for voters but argued a governor should concentrate on expenses that state government can directly influence.
“All rising costs are an issue for voters, there’s no doubt about it,” Tiffany said.
Tiffany is campaigning on proposals that include income and property tax reductions and changes to Wisconsin’s energy policies. He said Tuesday he would also make changes at the Public Service Commission, criticizing utility rate increases approved in recent years.
The candidates also traded criticism over their respective records, with Tiffany pointing to taxes during Crowley’s tenure in Milwaukee County and Crowley criticizing Tiffany’s votes in Congress.
The election is Tuesday, November 3.
