MADISON, WI – The Wisconsin Legislature has completed its work on the 2025-2027 state budget. The Senate passed Senate Bill 45 the evening of July 2, and the Assembly voted to concur early July 3. Governor Evers signed the budget into law – as Act 15 – shortly afterward.
“I am happy to say that the final budget cuts taxes by almost $1.5 billion, as opposed to the tax increase Governor Evers originally wanted,” State Rep. Dave Armstrong (R-Rice Lake) said. “At the same time, this budget increases the state’s investment in special education and local roads. In addition, this budget also gives $110 million in direct payments to childcare providers, as well as additional staffing flexibility.”
The 2025-2027 state budget also includes provisions that Representative Armstrong had been pursuing as standalone bills.
“I was pleased to see that legislative leadership and the Governor agreed to include the film credit program, on which I’d been working with Sen. Julian Bradley since last session, and the talent recruitment program, which I’d been working on with Sen. Patrick Testin,” Representative Armstrong said.
The film credit program – introduced as 2025 Assembly Bill 231/Senate Bill 231 – hopes to encourage film and television production in Wisconsin. Governor Evers had included a similar proposal in his original budget proposal that was based on the 2023 version of the Armstrong/Bradley legislation. As included in the final budget, the program incorporates feedback from the legislative hearing process.
The talent recruitment program – introduced as 2025 Assembly Bill 279/Senate Bill 285 – authorizes grants to local governments to market themselves and offer incentives to out-of-state households. The goal is to help counteract demographic changes that threaten Wisconsin’s workforce. The Assembly had passed AB 279 on June 24.
“Overall, I believe this budget is a win for Wisconsin families,” Representative Armstrong said. “I look forward to the rest of the legislative session and continuing to work for the people.”
