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Stevens Point -- After four hours of testimony, almost no one has spoken in favor of Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed budget.

Walker’s fellow Republicans who run the Legislature said they were not surprised.

“You can see why (the Joint Finance Committee) usually does a bad job. The spenders always show up,” said Sen. Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend), a committee member.

Rep. Robin Vos (R-Rochester), a committee co-chairman, noted some of those who testified sought increases in the beer tax, income tax or corporate tax. He said Republicans were committed to balancing the state budget without raising taxes.

He and Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills), a committee co-chairwoman, said most people express their budget preferences at the ballot box, rather than by coming to committee hearings.

“There is a silent majority,” Darling said.

She said many regular taxpayers could not come to Thursday’s hearings or three others scheduled in the days ahead because they are working. She said legislators discussed holding the hearings on weekends or after work hours but decided against the idea.

All of the hearings end at 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. They were scheduled by Vos and Darling.