Wisconsin Secretary of State Requested Budget Hike
Sarah Godlewski has asked to increase her office funding by 187% for the upcoming two-year budget cycle.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Government
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Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski submitted a budget request proposing to increase her agency's two-year funding to $1.89 million. The 187% increase aims to address a 20% rise in demand for services and improve inadequate office conditions.
Why it matters
The proposal aims to modernize office operations by adding four staff members and moving out of the Capitol basement. Godlewski plans to fund this expansion by retaining office revenue instead of directing it to the general fund.
The proposal includes $40,000 for news subscriptions and phones, alongside $33,800 for new office space. This follows submission of other agency requests, such as 169% for the Ethics Commission and 82% for the State Treasurer.
The players
Sarah Godlewski
She is the current Secretary of State of Wisconsin who oversees the administration of the Great Seal and public document authentication.
Wisconsin Legislature
This is the state governing body responsible for reviewing and ultimately voting to approve or reject the biennial state budget.
The details
Godlewski argues that the current office space is inaccessible and insufficient for her team's responsibilities, which include maintaining the Great Seal of the State of Wisconsin and processing apostilles. The plan requests the creation of four permanent staff positions to manage the growing volume of work.
Timeline
State agencies submitted their budget requests to the Department of Administration on September 15, 2026.
The requested funds cover the 2027-29 state budget cycle.
The state Legislature is expected to vote on the budget next summer.
Political Context
Opponents often scrutinize significant increases to agency budgets as unnecessary expansions of government reach. Legislative debate typically focuses on whether the proposed revenue retention aligns with established state fiscal priorities.
The potential approval of this budget would shift how office revenue is managed within the state's internal bookkeeping. Residents may see changes in service availability or office accessibility if the requested relocation and staffing expansions are implemented.
The takeaway
The budget proposal highlights the tension between modernizing administrative infrastructure and maintaining existing state expenditure levels. Legislators will now weigh the requested funding against the broader fiscal demands of the state.
What happens next
The Wisconsin Legislature is scheduled to debate and vote on the final state budget next summer.
Further reading
For more on how state agencies are funded, see Government.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Post-Crescent.
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Should state government offices receive significant funding increases to expand their internal staffing and operations?
