MADISON, WI – Today the Institute for Reforming Government (IRG) released an analysis of the 2023-2025 budget requests submitted this month by state agencies, finding that the proposed requests would increase government spending by more than $7.5 billion.
At a time when Wisconsin households are getting hit with record inflation, state government is asking for 9.29% MORE from taxpayers. This latest report from IRG’s team of policy experts provides an overview of some of the more outrageous funding requests, including the following:
- The Department of Public Instruction is requesting more than $2.4 billion despite serving fewer students than during the previous budget and after districts received $1.5 billion in federal recovery funding.
- The UW System is requesting more than $435 million in new funding and 783 new positions.
- The Department of Health Services is requesting more than $3.7 billion in new funding over the next two years
“Wisconsin taxpayers deserve a state government that spends within its own means. IRG’s report findings of an additional $7.5 billion in NEW spending is concerning. Not only would it dramatically increase the size-and-scope of state government in Wisconsin – which is already one of the largest and most bloated bureaucracies in the nation – but it even goes against the governor’s own zero-growth budget directives. If we ever want to pursue transformational tax reform, then we need to get our fiscal house in order – and that must include responsible spending!”
– Alex Ignatowski, Director of State Budget and Government Reform
Additional background: Every two years, the state of Wisconsin creates an operating budget – mapping out how they’ll spend tax dollars on everything from roads and bridges, to schools and public health needs. Governor Evers’ state agencies submitting their requests officially kicks off this budget process which IRG will continue to monitor from now through its completion next summer.
For more information and resources on IRG’s state budget and government accountability work, including our most recent State Agency 101 series, please visit our website at: https://reforminggovernment.org/.
