MADISON, Wis. — On Tuesday, Wisconsin’s Democratic Governor Tony Evers criticized what he described as “irresponsible decisions in Washington” and referred to the resulting situation as “needless chaos.” His newly introduced two-year budget proposal aims to prepare the state for possible significant cuts arising from federal actions.
Evers presented his budget amid considerations of pursuing a third term in a state that President Donald Trump narrowly captured in the previous election. The governor’s budget is perceived more as an ambitious wishlist rather than a concrete plan, with the Republican-controlled Legislature likely poised to reject most of his initiatives, echoing their previous actions towards his past budgets as they prepare their own decisions later in the year.
“With ongoing reckless and partisan events happening in Washington, it is essential for us in Wisconsin to remain grounded and pragmatic,” Evers stated to the Legislature and attendees. He emphasized the need for lawmakers to allocate $500 million for unexpected challenges that might stem from federal governmental actions.
Highlighting the main components of his $119 billion budget, which sees over a 20 percent increase in spending, Evers addressed key issues. He voiced concerns regarding Trump’s tariffs, which he believes could ignite trade wars harmful to Wisconsin’s leading exporters and the state’s substantial agriculture sector valued at $116 billion. Trump has previously imposed significant tariffs on various imports from China as well as threatened further tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico.
“I genuinely worry that Trump’s proposed 25% tariff will negatively impact our farmers, agricultural industries, and the economy at large, not to mention raise prices on essentials such as groceries and fuel,” Evers remarked. His budget proposal includes the establishment of a new agricultural economist position aimed at guiding farmers through market disruptions instigated by tariffs, as well as increasing funds to assist farmers with market expansion.
In addition to tariffs, Evers has voiced opposition to other aspects of the Trump administration’s policies, such as immigration enforcement and proposed significant increases in funding for the University of Wisconsin, citing the adverse effects of potential federal cuts.
Evers also suggested tax relief, claiming a need to align with Republican goals. Previously at odds with Republicans over tax measures—having canceled a $3.5 billion tax break in his last budget while approving a $2 billion cut in 2021—he is now advocating for about $2 billion in reductions to various taxes, funded in part by raising income taxes on the wealthiest residents. Nonetheless, Republicans are expected to reject any tax increases in favor of utilizing the state’s $4 billion surplus for tax cuts.
The governor’s proposed tax adjustments include abolishing the income tax on tips and eliminating sales taxes on over-the-counter medications, alongside income tax reductions for the middle class and offering incentives to local governments to hold property taxes steady. Republican Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu criticized Evers’ tax proposals as insubstantial, branding the budget as “irresponsible.” He asserted that the GOP will soon present its own overarching tax reduction plan.
Evers has also prioritized addressing PFAS contamination—pollutants referred to as “forever chemicals”—as many Wisconsin communities face drinking water contamination, often turning to bottled water. His plan includes an investment of $145 million for enhanced testing and research into solutions for this pollution issue, given the compounds’ links to various health risks.
Nevertheless, it appears that Republican leaders may not support much of Evers’ budget. Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos indicated that significant parts of Evers’ initiative are likely to be rejected outright, with repeated GOP opposition to expanding Medicaid and legalizing recreational marijuana. Expectations are also low for increases to educational funding that match Evers’ proposals.
In a noteworthy point of agreement, Republicans have not entirely dismissed Evers’ significant proposal to close the long-standing prison in Green Bay as part of a broader overhaul of the state’s correctional system.
