Gov. Tony Evers today called a Sept. 20 special session of the Legislature to take up a $1 billion workforce development package, including $365 million to support child care providers.
Appearing at a news conference in Milwaukee, Evers said the plan would use a piece of the state’s projected $4 billion surplus in this biennium after he vetoed the bulk of a GOP income tax reduction in the 2023-25 budget.
The plan includes a paid family and medical leave program for private employers, as well as a new investment in higher education.
The GOP-controlled Legislature has already rejected both the paid family and medical leave plan and the child care subsidies that Evers included in today’s call.
It is the 13th special session that Evers has called. While he has the power to call a special session, he can’t force the GOP-controlled Legislature to act. Typically, GOP leaders have quickly gaveled in and out the special sessions Evers has called without taking action.
Evers predicted this call will be different because of what’s at stake with the state’s workforce shortage, particularly if employees can’t find adequate child care. He warned of an “economic calamity” if Republicans don’t act.
“People joining and staying in our workforce depends upon having care for their kids. It’s pretty simple. It’s not rocket science,” Evers said.
GOP leaders, though, were quick to dismiss Evers’ call, adding their priority for the state’s projected surplus is a tax cut.
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, said the guv’s move was a “stunt” and the proposal “nothing more than a rehash of Tony Evers’ tax and spend budget.”
Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, said Senate Republicans want to address the state’s workforce shortage without growing government.
“The best way to fix Wisconsin’s workforce shortage is to create a competitive tax structure that will attract talent and private investment to our state,” he said.
See the release here.
