MADISON, Wis. — Representative DeSanto (D- 40) released the following statement following the Assembly floor session, where Democrats authored 24 amendments to the 2025-2027 Wisconsin State Budget. After all 24 amendments failed, the Wisconsin State Assembly passed the State Budget. Rep. DeSanto voted no on the final bill.
“Today’s vote was difficult. I applaud the work from Governor Evers and the Senate Democrats in negotiating a better version of the budget that prioritizes our public schools, remedies our urgent child care crisis, and invests in our state universities. We would not be here today without the strong Democrat leadership throughout the budget process. Unfortunately, the budget that passed tonight still fell disappointingly short in several key areas.
“This budget does not address the major priorities and concerns constituents have shared with me. Some of those issues include renewal of the Knowles-Nelson stewardship program, key rural needs such as expansion of affordable housing and broadband access, postpartum Medicaid and Medicaid expansion, and crucial investments in our public schools, such as an increase in general aid, healthy school meals for all, and a 60% special education reimbursement rate. These programs are crucial to my district, which is why Assembly Democrats worked to reintroduce many of them through the Amendment process. All amendments were tabled by the Republican majority. With the failure to amend the budget, the bill fails to provide meaningful relief for hard working families who are facing rising costs.
“So, while I am proud of the work from my Democratic colleagues to help improve this budget, this is not the deal Wisconsin deserves. Assembly Democrats, although not at the table through this budget process, are not done fighting for what our communities are calling for. We’re going to keep up the fight for what our district and the state actually needs.”
