After spending three hours discussing state budget prospects with Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle and Republican Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch, we’re convinced that both men genuinely want a state budget agreement, now 106 days past the July 1 deadline.

Unfortunately, we’re also convinced that both men have been listening primarily to their own constituents and partisans — including the most extreme on either side — and that both want to win a
partisan victory in the budget fight. And that’s part of the problem.

But it’s interesting that, while Huebsch and Doyle have been in communication through staff and occasionally through direct communication, they have not had an extensive face-to-face conversation about their differences and the areas on which they agree.

And they need to do that. Soon.

Without a budget agreement, schools and local governments could end up having to increase property taxes more than they would with an agreement. University of Wisconsin students who qualify for financial aid grants based on need won’t be able to get them.

In an interview Thursday, Doyle said of both sides, “Republicans thought they could beat up the other side on taxes. Democrats had this health plan they were selling. It wasn’t my plan.”

We think Republicans were unrealistic in calling initially for a no-tax-increase budget — even though employee compensation and other costs had gone up.

And Senate Democrats were totally out of touch in calling for a major universal health care insurance plan with a $15 billion pricetag — sprung on the voters without adequate hearings or information.

There are plenty of differences between Huebsch and Doyle on the budget. But there are some similarities as well — and areas where the differences in dollar amounts are not that far apart.

And Huebsch has made several concessions along the way — including agreeing to some tax hikes and increased spending, and school aid numbers that came directly from Doyle’s budget.

That’s why an extraordinary effort should be made — face to face — between the two leaders.

We need a budget agreement because real people, real lives and real issues are dependent on getting one — sooner rather than later.

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