The exterior dome of the Wisconsin state Capitol is seen in Madison Feb. 15, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
(WTAQ-WLUK) — An agreement on how to spend part of Wisconsin’s budget surplus moved forward Tuesday afternoon.
The state’s budget committee approved the $1.8 billion funding plan first unveiled Monday. It passed along party lines, with all four Democrats on the committee voting against it.
The compromise from Democratic Governor Tony Evers and Republican leaders includes refund payments to taxpayers. Both sides say they are confident the state Legislature will pass the deal.
“I’d be surprised if it doesn’t,” said Evers during a stop at Seymour’s middle and high schools Tuesday.
“In our private discussions, we are all aligned,” said State Rep. Ben Franklin, R-De Pere.
The longstanding budget surplus in Wisconsin has most recently been projected to be $2.3 billion at the end of the 2025-27 budget cycle. Almost 37% of that amount would go back to taxpayers under the proposed plan.
“If I had the Governor Evers that I had the last year for the previous seven, we could have had a much better working relationship,” said State Rep. Shae Sortwell, R-Two Rivers.
$850 million in direct payments to taxpayers — $600 for joint filers and $300 for individuals — are expected to be delivered in the next 90-120 days, according to Assembly Republicans.
Of the $617 million going to schools, about half will be in general school aids and the other half through special education reimbursement.
“This isn’t going to change everything in schools, but I can tell you this is a big step forward,” said Evers.
The deal also eliminates the individual income tax on cash tips and overtime pay.
So far, much of the opposition to the funding plan has been from Democrats in the Legislature and candidates looking to replace Evers as governor.
Republican gubernatorial candidate and U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany said, “A one-time $300 check is chicken feed compared to years of rising property taxes and utility bills.”
Democratic gubernatorial candidate and State Rep. Francesca Hong said she will be voting against the plan.
“Three retiring politicians are using this surplus to buy themselves a legacy moment on the way out the door,” said Hong in a post on X.
Fellow Democratic candidate for governor Mandela Barnes said it’s meaningful money for schools, “but the agreement doesn’t fix the broken system that’s failing Wisconsin.”
“Whoever is being supportive of this, whether Republican or Democrat, I would guess that would be helpful in being re-elected or elected,” said Evers.
With Democrats long supporting more money for schools and Republicans wanting to return the surplus to taxpayers, those touting the deal say it shows true compromise.
“I represent a 50-50 district, so you have to operate that way,” said Franklin.
The full Legislature could vote on the plan as soon as Wednesday.
Comments