(The Center Square) – Some parts of Gov. Tony Evers’ budget proposal are already dead, but some pieces may make the final cut.
Rep. Tony Kurtz, R-Wonewoc, told News Talk 1130 WISN on Tuesday that most of what the governor plans on proposing during Tuesday night’s budget address will not make it out of the legislature.
“Historically we start from base, and I don’t see that changing. What we’ve done in the past is we’re not [going to] take his budget. We’ll start from the previous budget that we’ve all agreed on, with the exception of the 400-year veto,” Kurtz explained. “If there are some good things in his budget, we’ll look at adding those into the budget as we move along the budget process.”
Kurtz said he likes some of what the governor is saying about agriculture investments. Other Republicans have said they support the governor’s proposed prison overhaul.
But Kurtz said the devil is always in the details.
“If there’s a good idea in there, heck yeah we’ll put it in [the budget],” Kurtz added.
Evers previewed his budget with announcement Tuesday morning, saying he will ask lawmakers for $2 billion in tax cuts, including a plan to end taxes on tips.
“My plan will provide nearly $2 billion in tax relief through efforts to lower property taxes, eliminate the sales tax on several everyday expenses, and cut income taxes for middle-class Wisconsinites, including homeowners, renters, veterans, and seniors,” Evers said in excerpts from his budget speech. “I’m asking Republicans and Democrats to work together to pass my comprehensive plan to lower everyday, out-of-pocket costs for working families. 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.”
Kurtz said he’s not sure just what those tax cuts will look like.
But Kurtz said Evers has been able to cut taxes in the past because Republican lawmakers have set both the framework for tax cuts, and an economic policy that made cuts possible.
“Good or bad, we’ve actually set him up for success,” Kurtz said.
Kurtz explained Evers has signed a series of tax cuts, all of them authored by Republican lawmakers.
