MADISON, Wis. — In a decisive move on Thursday, Wisconsin’s Republican-led Legislature voted to eliminate the majority of spending initiatives proposed by Democratic Governor Tony Evers, including the push to legalize marijuana. The two parties, however, continue to deliberate on an agreeable tax cut strategy.
The Republican-controlled budget committee rejected over 600 of Evers’ proposals along strictly partisan lines. Notable among these rejected proposals were increases in funding for child care providers, an expansion of Medicaid, and increased taxes on joint tax filers earning over $1 million. This pattern of political maneuvering echoes what Republicans have done during Evers’ previous budgetary attempts, and some defeated proposals, like pre-processing absentee ballots before Election Day, had enjoyed bipartisan support and may re-emerge in different legislative forms.
These budgetary decisions are occurring amidst uncertainty regarding the state’s federal funding, as the Trump administration moves towards drastically reducing governmental expenditures. Governor Evers’ budget aimed to implement a 20% spending increment, totaling around $119 billion over two years.
Although Governor Evers and Republicans are in discussions about a mutually acceptable tax reduction plan, no specifics have been unveiled thus far. The Republican stance is that the state’s estimated $4 billion surplus should predominantly be redirected as tax cuts rather than enhancing funding for K-12 education, the University of Wisconsin, and other state programs.
Among the Evers’ proposal cuts were initiatives such as the elimination of tax on tips, increased finances to tackle PFAS, or ‘forever chemicals,’ targeted property tax cuts for veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities, $128 million designated for low-income college student aid, and amendments to incorporate gender-neutral language like “person inseminated” into state legislation.
Governor Evers expressed his disappointment, declaring, “Republicans talk a lot about what they’re against, but not what they’re for. There are pressing challenges facing our state.” He criticized the Legislature for its inaction, urging serious effort to address the state’s issues.
Republican Senator Howard Marklein, co-chair of the budget committee, hinted that some “popular items” might resurface as separate legislative measures. Meanwhile, Co-chair Rep. Mark Born noted that the rejection of Evers’ proposals didn’t signify these issues would be abandoned but might be approached differently.
This vote marks the beginning of a prolonged process to reconstruct the two-year budget with Republican priorities. Governor Evers retains the power to enact further changes using his significant veto powers once the Legislature finalizes the budget, usually completed by late June or early July.
Furthermore, in light of a Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling that upheld a 2023 line-item veto by Evers, Republicans are contemplating extending the budget approval timeline or adopting select priority spending measures. The ruling confirmed the governor’s authority to craft new financial terms not initially conceived by lawmakers, although it suggested possible legislative measures to limit the governor’s veto powers. A constitutional amendment to curb gubernatorial veto authority is under consideration, along with drafting budget bills that prevent extensive veto modifications.