Madison- Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) addressed the Senate in advance of the 2023/24 legislative session. Fresh off meetings with Governor Evers, Speaker Vos, Senate Minority Leader Agard and the fellow Republican members of the Senate, the Majority Leader sees opportunities to move forward on many areas of mutual interest. The Senate Majority Leader also highlighted the importance of the upcoming budget and the unique position available with the anticipated budget surplus.
The Majority Leader has been touting the creation of a flat tax this session to help provide a tax break for Wisconsinites while improving the ability for businesses to attract new work workers to the State.
The Senator acknowledged the retirement of former Senator Alberta Darling in his opening remarks. He thanked her for her many years of public service.
A copy of Senate Majority Leader LeMahieu’s Inaugural speech is attached.
Devin LeMahieu
State Senate Majority Leader- Inauguration Speech – January 3 rd , 2023
A new year and a new legislative session brings with it opportunity. Opportunities to work together to address issues that are faced by all Wisconsinites. An opportunity to build common sense policy that improves how our government functions. Opportunities to reform our laws to better serve the future needs of the State.
Let’s focus for a moment on what we have done in the past to put Wisconsin in the unique position that we are in today. In 2010 we inherited a multi-Billion dollar deficit. Over the last 12 years we have focused on investing in core priorities, responsible budgeting, reducing the tax burden on the hard- working families of Wisconsin and passing meaningful legislative reforms. Today we are looking at a projected surplus approaching 7 Billion.
There are challenges that we face. Challenges the people of Wisconsin expect us to tackle. Education, taxes, healthcare, public safety and our State’s infrastructure are all items that we need to address. Families and businesses are facing inflationary pressures. The rising costs of gas, groceries and energy are hurting Wisconsin families. The best way to help them out is by reducing their tax burden.
We have a chance to reshape our tax policies. We can also take this opportunity to streamline and simplify interactions with State agencies. We look forward to finding solutions to difficult topics such as the mental health issues being faced by all too many of our friends and neighbors. We are in a good position to take bold and decisive action to ensure our best days remain ahead of us.
Last session we passed a budget that was supported by both sides of the aisle and signed by the Governor. Let’s work toward that again. As we go through the budget process, we need to understand inflationary pressures. This includes local governments, education, transportation, corrections and healthcare. Fortunately, we have set ourselves up with resources to address these needs.
We need to remember why we are in our current position. We have worked on legislation to advance the best interest of Wisconsin while remaining fiscally conservative. We look forward to working with the Governor and Assembly to make sure that we not only provide transformational tax relief, but also solutions that benefit the great state of Wisconsin.
God bless Wisconsin and God bless America.
