(The Center Square) – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers highlighted a series of proposed biennial budget additions Tuesday night while Republican leadership in the Legislature has continued to push for tax cuts and returning money to taxpayers with an estimated surplus of $4.3 billion at the end of this fiscal year.
Evers spoke Tuesday night on his plans to spent more on public education, spend on PFAS drinking water treatments, agriculture, child care workforce and corrections.
He also vowed to eliminate income tax on tips, incentivize local governments to freeze property taxes though state payments and creating a Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board.
“I’m asking Republicans and Democrats to work together to pass my comprehensive plan to lower everyday, out-of-pocket costs for working families,” Evers said. “Wisconsinites need a leg up to be able to finally get ahead—on utility bills, on child care costs, on groceries, medication, and doctor visits, and everything in between. And I’ve got a plan to do just that.”
Rep. Tony Kurtz, R-Wonewoc, said earlier Tuesday that much of Evers’ proposal would not make it out of the Legislature.
Senate President Mary Felzkowski, R-Tomahawk, said that, every two years, the Joint Committee on Finance starts its budget process from scratch because Evers’ proposal is not a “serious document” and it needs to craft a responsible state budget in terms of spending.
“It is a pleasant surprise to see the Governor acknowledge that conservative policies, like no tax on tips and middle-class tax relief, are the correct path forward for Wisconsin,” Felzkowski said. “Unfortunately, the Governor also laid out unrealistic spending proposals, costly new regulations, and policies that clearly need input from the legislative branch. This is unsurprising given that he knows Republicans will pass a responsible budget, regardless of any grandstanding he does.”
Evers repeated proposals he had already released including changes to the state’s corrections system, $80 million in farm and producer spending and $145 million to remove PFAS from drinking water in the state.
Evers previously said he would propose an $800 million increase in funding for the UW System, which he called the largest two-year budget increase in its history.
He also proposed an increase in funding for K-12 education that includes $80 million for literacy coaches and tutors statewide.
“Gov. Evers might have tried to tout tax cuts in tonight’s budget address, but his proposal is nothing more than a progressive playbook that puts taxpayers on the hook for his radical spending and expanded government wish list,” said Americans for Prosperity-Wisconsin State Director Megan Novak. “After vetoing tax cut after tax cut, it is simply disingenuous for Gov. Evers to now try and take credit. Wisconsin voters will see right through this two-faced budget approach – they know Gov. Evers’ true colors are progressive giveaways and spending sprees.”
The question now will be how much of Evers’ proposal will be considered by legislative leaders as they begin the budget approval process.
“Strong Republican governance over the last decade is the sole reason Wisconsin is fiscally sound today,” Felzkowski said. “Just last budget cycle, the Governor’s proposal would have turned a $7 billion surplus into a $3 billion deficit. And don’t forget history when the Governor discusses middle-class tax cuts either: he vetoed three of them last session.”
Along with his proposal to eliminate taxes on cash tips, which Evers noted President Donald Trump has discussed, he also proposed doubling the amount of income exempt from taxes to the first $1,200 each person earns.
“Republicans in Wisconsin believe that families and individuals know how to spend their money better than the government,” said Rep. Jim Piwowarczyk, R-Hubertus. “Gov. Evers’ tax-and-spend budget would only grow government and increase taxes, putting future taxpayers on the hook for his liberal priorities.”
