State budget negotiations collapse as Republicans walk
As with the previous three budgets under Evers' governorship, the Republicans will again revise the governor’s proposed budget and write their own.
Budget negotiations between Governor Tony Evers and Republican leaders broke down on June 4, at least for the time being. Governor Evers was willing to accept tax cuts, including for seniors. Still, the Republicans would not budge on Evers’ priorities to increase funding for public education, childcare, and healthcare, and Republicans shut down further talks.
Last month, the Republicans on the Joint Finance Committee eliminated many of Governor Evers’ proposals, including those pertaining to public education, childcare, and healthcare.
“The concept of compromise is simple — everyone gets something they want, and no one gets everything they want,” Evers said. “Unfortunately, Republicans couldn’t agree to support the top priorities in my half of the deal. We’ve spent months trying to have real, productive conversations with Republican lawmakers in hopes of finding a compromise and passing a state budget that everyone could support — and that, most importantly, delivers for the people of Wisconsin. I am admittedly disappointed that Republican lawmakers aren’t willing to reach consensus and common ground and have decided to move forward without bipartisan support instead.”
As with the previous three budgets under Evers' governorship, the Republicans will again revise the governor’s proposed budget and write their own. Even though the legislature is more balanced since the new redistricting maps, the Republicans still stacked the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) with 12 Republicans and only four Democrats.
“Instead of fully funding our public schools, preventing the closure of childcare centers, or meeting the healthcare needs of Wisconsinite, legislative Republicans have caved to the extremist wing of their party and walked away from budget negotiations with Governor Evers,” Senator LaTonya Johnson, Senator Kelda Roys, Representative Deb Andraca, and Representative Tip McGuire said in a joint statement.
They pledged to “continue to fight for the priorities that Wisconsinites across the state have been demanding throughout this budget process.”
Meanwhile, Republicans vow to work to veto-proof the budget.
“It is (at the) forefront of our minds that we have a liberal governor who will push the envelope with his veto pen,” Assembly Majority Leader Tyler August told News Talk 1130. “And a kangaroo court that has told him he can do pretty much whatever he wants.”
Evers used his partial veto power to extend the per-pupil yearly increase of $325 for 400 years. The $325/pupil did not cover the rate of inflation during its first year and is unlikely to do so in the future.
Wisconsin currently has a projected $4.3 billion surplus.
Governor Evers prepared his budget proposal after holding public listening sessions around the state last December. The top concerns of the public were public education, childcare and healthcare. In April, the Joint Finance Committee (JFC), which prepares the budget, held four statewide listening sessions with more than a thousand people testifying. Those same three topics headlined their concerns. In addition, more than 6,000 public comments were submitted via the JFC website.
Once passed through the Joint Finance Committee, the bill will be debated in the Senate and Assembly. Upon passage, the Legislature will deliver the budget bill to Governor Evers to sign, veto, or partially veto. If the 2025-27 Biennial Budget is not passed by June 30, the funding levels of the previous budget remain in effect.
