Latest news with #Evers'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Budget negotiations between Gov. Evers, Republican leaders at an end for now
Negotiations on the state budget between Gov. Tony Evers and Republican lawmakers broke down on Wednesday. Evers delivers his 2025 state budget address. (Photo by Baylor Spears/Wisconsin Examiner) Republican lawmakers are planning to move forward on writing the two-year state budget without input from across the aisle after negotiations with Gov. Tony Evers broke down on Wednesday. Senate and Assembly leaders and Evers each released statements on Wednesday in the early evening saying that while negotiations have been in good faith, they are ending for now after meetings late on Tuesday evening and on Wednesday morning. Evers said Republicans were walking away from the talks after being unwilling to compromise, while Republicans said Evers' requests weren't reasonable. 'Both sides of these negotiations worked to find compromise and do what is best for the state of Wisconsin,' Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) and Joint Finance Committee co-chair Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) said in a statement. 'However, we have reached a point where Governor Evers' spending priorities have extended beyond what taxpayers can afford.' Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) and Rep. Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam) left the possibility of future negotiations open in a separate statement. 'Assembly Republicans remain open to discussions with Governor Evers in hopes of finding areas of agreement, however after meeting until late last night and again this morning, it appears the two sides remain far apart,' the lawmakers said. Vos and Born said JFC will continue 'using our long-established practices to craft a state budget that contains meaningful tax relief and responsible spending levels with the goal of finishing on time.' In previous sessions this has meant that the Republican committee throws out all of Evers' proposals, writes the budget itself, passes it with minimal Democratic support and sends the bill to Evers — who has often signed it with many (sometimes controversial) partial vetoes. LeMahieu and Marklein noted that the Republican-led committee has created budgets in the last three legislative sessions that Evers has signed and they are 'confident' lawmakers will pass a 'responsible budget' this session that Evers will sign. Lawmakers have less than a month before the state's June 30 budget deadline. If a new budget isn't approved and signed into law by then, the state will continue to operate under the current budget. Evers said in a statement that he is disappointed Republicans are deciding to write the budget without Democratic support. 'The concept of compromise is simple — everyone gets something they want, and no one gets everything they want,' Evers said. He added that he told lawmakers that he would support their half of priorities, including their top tax cut proposals, even though they were similar to ones he previously vetoed, but he wanted agreements from them as well. 'Unfortunately, Republicans couldn't agree to support the top priorities in my half of the deal, which included meaningful investments for K-12 schools, to continue Child Care Counts to help lower the cost of child care for working families and to prevent further campus closures and layoffs at our UW System,' Evers said. 'We've spent months trying to have real, productive conversations with Republican lawmakers in hopes of finding 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.' Democratic leaders said that Republicans are refusing to make investments in the areas that Wisconsinites want. Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) and Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) said in a joint statement that it's disappointing Republicans are walking away from negotiations. 'The people of Wisconsin have a reasonable expectation that their elected leaders will work together to produce a state budget that prioritizes what matters most: lowering costs for families and investing in public education,' the lawmakers said. 'This decision creates yet more uncertainty in a difficult time. Democrats will continue to stand up for all Wisconsinites and work to move Wisconsin forward through the budget process.' Democrats on the budget committee accused Republicans of giving in to the 'extremist wing of their party' by walking away from the negotiations and not committing to 'fully funding our public schools, preventing the closure of child care centers, or meeting the healthcare needs of Wisconsinites.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Budget negotiations between Gov. Evers, Republican leaders at an end for now
Negotiations on the state budget between Gov. Tony Evers and Republican lawmakers broke down on Wednesday. Evers delivers his 2025 state budget address. (Photo by Baylor Spears/Wisconsin Examiner) Republican lawmakers are planning to move forward on writing the two-year state budget without input from across the aisle after negotiations with Gov. Tony Evers broke down on Wednesday. Senate and Assembly leaders and Evers each released statements on Wednesday in the early evening saying that while negotiations have been in good faith, they are ending for now after meetings late on Tuesday evening and on Wednesday morning. Evers said Republicans were walking away from the talks after being unwilling to compromise, while Republicans said Evers' requests weren't reasonable. 'Both sides of these negotiations worked to find compromise and do what is best for the state of Wisconsin,' Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) and Joint Finance Committee co-chair Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) said in a statement. 'However, we have reached a point where Governor Evers' spending priorities have extended beyond what taxpayers can afford.' Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) and Rep. Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam) left the possibility of future negotiations open in a separate statement. 'Assembly Republicans remain open to discussions with Governor Evers in hopes of finding areas of agreement, however after meeting until late last night and again this morning, it appears the two sides remain far apart,' the lawmakers said. Vos and Born said JFC will continue 'using our long-established practices to craft a state budget that contains meaningful tax relief and responsible spending levels with the goal of finishing on time.' In previous sessions this has meant that the Republican committee throws out all of Evers' proposals, writes the budget itself, passes it with minimal Democratic support and sends the bill to Evers — who has often signed it with many (sometimes controversial) partial vetoes. LeMahieu and Marklein noted that the Republican-led committee has created budgets in the last three legislative sessions that Evers has signed and they are 'confident' lawmakers will pass a 'responsible budget' this session that Evers will sign. Lawmakers have less than a month before the state's June 30 budget deadline. If a new budget isn't approved and signed into law by then, the state will continue to operate under the current budget. Evers said in a statement that he is disappointed Republicans are deciding to write the budget without Democratic support. 'The concept of compromise is simple — everyone gets something they want, and no one gets everything they want,' Evers said. He added that he told lawmakers that he would support their half of priorities, including their top tax cut proposals, even though they were similar to ones he previously vetoed, but he wanted agreements from them as well. 'Unfortunately, Republicans couldn't agree to support the top priorities in my half of the deal, which included meaningful investments for K-12 schools, to continue Child Care Counts to help lower the cost of child care for working families and to prevent further campus closures and layoffs at our UW System,' Evers said. 'We've spent months trying to have real, productive conversations with Republican lawmakers in hopes of finding 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.' Democratic leaders said that Republicans are refusing to make investments in the areas that Wisconsinites want. Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) and Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) said in a joint statement that it's disappointing Republicans are walking away from negotiations. 'The people of Wisconsin have a reasonable expectation that their elected leaders will work together to produce a state budget that prioritizes what matters most: lowering costs for families and investing in public education,' the lawmakers said. 'This decision creates yet more uncertainty in a difficult time. Democrats will continue to stand up for all Wisconsinites and work to move Wisconsin forward through the budget process.' Democrats on the budget committee accused Republicans of giving in to the 'extremist wing of their party' by walking away from the negotiations and not committing to 'fully funding our public schools, preventing the closure of child care centers, or meeting the healthcare needs of Wisconsinites.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Advocates rally to save child care support in Wisconsin
HORTONVILLE, Wis. (WFRV) – A dedicated group from the Western Outagamie Rural Democrats gathered early this morning to call for continued funding of Wisconsin's Child Care Counts program, which has helped keep thousands of child care providers open since the pandemic. A new state-commissioned report warns that without renewed support after June, one in four providers could shut down, and over a third may cut hours or reduce the number of children they serve. Wisconsin Humane Society offers $16 vaccines amid Distemper virus surge Rural communities, where options are already limited, face the greatest risk, with closures expected to impact families, workers, and local economies. The program, which once distributed $20 million a month in federal relief, is running out of funds, and advocates are urging lawmakers to support Governor Evers' proposed $480 million investment in the next state budget. Without action, fees may rise, waitlists could grow, and up to 20% more providers may close. Supporters are urging residents to contact their state representatives and make it clear: Wisconsin needs Child Care Counts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Budget negotiations take center stage as Senate passes criminal justice bills
Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) said during a press conference ahead of a Senate floor session Thursday that Evers' office has had lawmakers' plan for a tax cut since March and that they have asked Evers for a list of specific items that he would want in the budget to agree to cutting taxes. (Photo by Baylor Spears/Wisconsin Examiner) State budget negotiations were top of mind for lawmakers Thursday, even as the Senate took action on a variety of bills, with Senate Republicans calling for a meeting with Gov. Tony Evers and Democrats calling on Republicans to support Evers' budget requests. The Wisconsin Legislature is in the process of writing the next biennial budget, and Republicans are intent on passing a tax cut this session after failing to get Evers' approval for a proposed cut last session. Republican leaders have said they want an agreement on the tax cut before allocating spending to other priorities, and are waiting for Evers to schedule an in-person meeting with them to work it out. Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) said during a press conference ahead of a Senate floor session Thursday that Evers' office has had lawmakers' plan for a tax cut since March and that they have asked Evers for a list of specific items that he would want in the budget to agree to cutting taxes. However, LeMahieu said they haven't been given any details in the last several weeks. 'Speaker Vos and I provided the governor with a series of times [to meet] into next week as a last-ditch effort to preserve these good faith negotiations,' LeMahieu said. 'I hope sincerely that he accepts… one of those dates next week. It's imperative that we meet by the end of next week at the latest to stay on schedule to pass a budget by the end of the fiscal year. It's as simple as that. Time's ticking… and if we're going to work to get a budget passed, we need to meet with the governor next week.' LeMahieu said GOP tax goals include exempting income for retirees in Wisconsin to encourage them to stay in the state and increasing the second-tier tax bracket, similar to a bill the governor vetoed last session. LeMahieu said the new tax bracket won't reach as high up the income ladder as the vetoed one. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) said on Tuesday that work on the budget is 'on pause' until legislators get an in-person meeting with Evers and that their preferred option is 'to be able to get an agreed upon tax cut so that we know we have X dollars to invest in schools and health care and all the other things that are important.' LeMahieu said that the latest Legislative Fiscal Bureau report would also be pivotal in negotiations because it will help lawmakers understand 'what kind of tax cut we can afford' and 'what kind of other investments we can afford.' The Legislative Fiscal Bureau projected in the fiscal estimate released Thursday afternoon that the state will finish the 2023-25 fiscal year, which ends June 30, with a $4.3 billion budget surplus, which is slightly higher than the estimate from January. However, the estimate also found that tax collection will likely be lower over the next two years. 'While we are not surprised by these new estimates, we remain cautious as we work to craft a budget that invests in our priorities, funds our obligations, and puts the State of Wisconsin in a strong fiscal position for the future,' Joint Finance Committee Co-chairs Rep. Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam) and Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) said in a statement. The lawmakers said that the estimates are a sign that they need to continue to approach the budget in the same way they have in the past. They also called on Evers to 'take these revenue re-estimates seriously' and to 'come to the table with legislative leaders and work with us to craft a reasonable budget that works for Wisconsin.' Democrats on the Joint Finance Committee said in a statement that the estimate is a sign of the decline the economy could face due to Trump administration tariffs. 'Now, more than ever, Wisconsinites are struggling to put food on the table and maintain a roof over their heads. This projection shows it's going to get even worse, especially when our communities start to feel the direct impact of the Trump regime's trade war around the globe,' the lawmakers said. 'Together, we need to ensure Wisconsinites have the resources to get through the chaos and uncertainty that lies ahead.' Ahead of the floor session, Democratic lawmakers called attention to Evers' budget requests, saying that the various non-budget bills the Senate took up Thursday don't address the issues that Wisconsinites are most concerned about. 'It's been 87 days since [Evers] has introduced his budget. It invests in essential priorities — K-12 funding, child care education, mental health, helping the environment and putting much needed funding in the university system. What have Republicans done in those 87 days? Well, they stripped essential items in that budget….' Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) said at a press conference. 'What the Legislature should do is debate the budget.' Wisconsin Republicans on the Joint Finance Committee cut over 600 items from Evers' proposal last week , saying they were taking the budget 'back to base.' Sen. LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee) noted that lawmakers recently traveled across the state to hear from Wisconsinites about their priorities for the state budget and then failed to act on any of those priorities. She then listed several bills on Thursday's calendar. 'We've got a bill on changing the name on the name-change process for people convicted of violent crimes; a bill that gives big businesses their own private courts; a bill tweaking surcharges for electric vehicles,' Johnson said. 'I'm not saying that these bills aren't important to someone, but we sure didn't hear about these issues when we traveled across the state at our listening sessions.' Johnson said that lawmakers need to ask if the bills 'meet the moment' the state is facing. 'Do they lower the cost for hard-working families? Do they help us hire nurses, teachers, child care providers? Do they clean our water and keep our streets safe [or remediate] lead contaminated classrooms?' Johnson asked. 'If the answer is no, then why the hell are we here?' Democrats, including Hesselbein, have said they think Democratic votes will be necessary to pass a budget, but they don't necessarily expect to be in the room for budget negotiations between legislative Republicans and Evers. Asked if Democrats are requesting to participate in a sit-down between Evers and Republicans, Hesselbein said she is 'in consistent contact with Gov. Evers and his administration, and those conversations have been both before and moving forward.' Pressed on whether she wants to be in the room when the governor and Republicans meet, Hesselbein said 'I'll be honest, sometimes it's hard to get all of us in the same room because of timing and schedules and things like that.' Some of the bills that the Senate took action on Thursday include: SB 33, which would make it a crime to share nonconsensual 'deep fake' nude images and was introduced in reaction to the growing use of artificial intelligence to make fake images. It passed unanimously. SB 125, which would require the Public Service Commission to conduct a study for a place to locate a nuclear power plant. It passed with bipartisan support from 28 Senators. Four Democrats and Sen. Steve Nass (R-Whitewater) voted against the bill. SB 96, which would exempt electric vehicle charging stations at a person's home from the electric vehicle charging tax. It passed unanimously. SB 146, which would bar someone convicted of a violent crime including homicide, battery, kidnapping, stalking, human trafficking and sexual assault from changing their name, passed 18-15 in a party line vote. The Senate also passed AB 73 in an 18-15 vote. The bill would create a specialized commercial court meant to handle business cases. It comes after the state Supreme Court discontinued a pilot program last year. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
State lawmakers are working on the two-year budget. What is it, and why does it matter?
Over the next several weeks, you're likely to hear a lot about Wisconsin's biennial budget, the state's two-year spending plan that sets funding levels for schools, transportation, mental health and more. The Republican-controlled state Legislature and Democratic Gov. Tony Evers both have a role in shaping the budget. After Evers pitched his plan, the powerful Joint Finance Committee modifies the massive bill, which Evers will take action on later this summer. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel will follow upcoming budget hearings and how lawmakers' decisions will impact government services and programs. Here's a broad timeline of what to expect. The budget process starts when state agencies — such as the Department of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin System and Department of Public Instruction — make requests for funding over the next two years. Typically, those are released toward the end of even-numbered years. State superintendent Jill Underly unveiled a $4 billion request for the DPI in November 2024. The UW System's $855 million request was announced in August. More: Does the UW System's $855 million budget request bring Wisconsin closer to average? These agency requests shape the governor's budget proposal, but the governor often makes changes by removing or adding specific programs or tweaking funding levels. The governor is required to deliver a budget message to the Legislature. Evers gave that speech Feb. 18 this year. His plans included a new tax bracket for the state's wealthiest residents, expanding the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program and addressing lead exposure among children. The budget proposal is also a chance for Evers to lay out policies he supports, such as marijuana legalization and Medicaid expansion, though Republicans often remove them from the budget. More: Gov. Tony Evers' budget has a $2.4 billion net tax increase, would create a shortfall As of early May, this is the step we're at. The budget is in the hands of the Joint Finance Committee, which is comprised of 16 lawmakers from both parties and houses. Committee members hosted public listening sessions across the state in April. Now, the Republican-controlled committee will hold several, hours-long executive sessions in the Capitol to make changes to the governor's budget, piece by piece. In 2023, those meetings took place in May and June. Republicans historically ignore much of what's in Evers' budget. The committee started its work May 8 by eliminating hundreds of ideas in his proposal. But it's possible this budget cycle will have more compromise — Evers and legislative leaders are holding negotiations this year, which is unusual for them to do. More: Republicans scrap over 30 programs dedicated to behavioral health care from Evers' budget Once the Joint Finance Committee finishes its work, the budget bill goes to the full Assembly and Senate. In 2023, the Senate approved the budget June 28, and the Assembly passed it a day later. Two Republican senators joined Democrats in voting no, though the vote is typically along party lines. During floor debate two years ago, Democrats put forward numerous last-ditch amendments, trying to add some of Evers' policy ideas back into the budget. All were rejected by Republicans. June 30 is the deadline to pass a budget, but lawmakers have gone beyond that date in the past. Missing the deadline doesn't have immediate impacts; spending levels stay where they are until a new plan is in place. From there, the budget bill goes to Evers' desk to become law. The governor can veto the entire state budget. Typically, though, Evers and other governors have used their powerful partial veto authority to remove words, numbers and punctuation from the budget, which can create new meanings or change spending amounts. In 2023, Evers issued 51 partial vetoes when he signed the budget into law July 5. On April 18, the state Supreme Court upheld Evers' partial veto that locked in funding increases for public schools for 402 years by deleting a hyphen and a "20" in reference to the 2024-25 school year. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said his party would discuss how to write the 2025-27 budget in ways that limit Evers' partial veto opportunities. GOP leaders have also floated passing items typically included in the budget as separate bills to reduce the chance of vetoes. More: Republicans scour for options to sidestep Tony Evers vetoes, including not using digits in the budget More: Why did Wisconsin's capital move from Belmont to Madison? Corruption, land and lobbying The state budget impacts daily life across Wisconsin. Cuts at the federal level could make funding from the state even more crucial. Funding for the UW System dictates whether tuition will increase or remain flat for in-state undergraduates. Grants in the budget could address the rising cost of child care. Infrastructure projects, such as highway construction and traffic calming measures, are also considered in the budget. State prisons in Green Bay and Waupun could be closed or renovated as part of budget negotiations. The budget also dictates how much money the state takes in — including through income taxes. The last budget delivered an average income tax cut of $36, down from $573 in Republicans' plan, which Evers said focused relief on the wealthiest residents. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What exactly is the Wisconsin state budget, and why does it matter?
