A $1.8 billion package to put more money into schools and send rebate checks to Wisconsinites failed in the Senate after changes GOP leaders made failed to garner enough support.

All 15 Senate Dems and three GOP members of the chamber voted late Wednesday against the package. Those who opposed it include Sen. Rob Hutton, R-Brookfield, even after backers included $20 million for disaster relief grants that were similar to those included in legislation that Hutton proposed this year.

Hutton, who is not running for reelection, told WisPolitics in a short interview that he didn’t ask for the provision to be included and was concerned the package was fiscally irresponsible because it spent too much and state spending is already too high.

“More of that should’ve gone back to the taxpayer because they’re the one really hurting right now,” Hutton said.

Dem Gov. Tony Evers, who reached a deal with GOP legislative leaders on the package, ripped GOP gubernatorial frontrunner Tom Tiffany and lawmakers for the failure of the package.

Tiffany, a Northwoods congressman, opposed the deal, and his staff called GOP lawmakers ahead of the vote to raise concerns about it.

Those who opposed the package included two Dem lawmakers seeking to succeed Evers: state Sen. Kelda Roys; and state Rep. Francesca Hong, both Madison Dems.

“Wisconsin’s kids and schools aren’t going to get the investments they desperately need this year because Tom Tiffany and a few Republican and Democratic lawmakers chose to blow up a bipartisan plan to invest in our K-12 schools, lower property taxes, and help working families afford rising costs, all because they’d rather do what’s best for the next election than what’s right for the people of our state,” Evers said.

The 18-15 defeat of the bill quickly followed Assembly approval of an amended version on a 61-32 vote. Republicans control both chambers.

Along with the disaster grants, the amendment included a provision similar to legislation authored by Sen. André Jacque, of New Franken. 

Jacque has long sought to expand a credit for veterans that is now equal to 100% of real property taxes paid on a principal dwelling for those eligible and their surviving spouses. The eligibility requirements include having a service-connected disability rating of 100%.

The amendment, which reflects Jacque’s past efforts, would’ve dropped that to 80%.

Jacque praised the opportunity to accomplish “something I’ve talked about in this room quite a bit.”

The delayed votes came after hours of GOP leaders looking to pick up support for the package, the major parts of which included $870 million for one-time rebates; $315 million to boost reimbursements for special education costs; and $302.5 million for a new school aid beginning in 2026-27 that would drive down the property taxes that districts collect. It would have also eliminated taxes on tips and overtime pay. 

Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbin, D-Middleton, said during the floor debate that at one point she was brought into a room to see if any changes could win over her members. Hesselbein said she went to run some things by her caucus, returned and was told Republicans were no longer interested in what she had to say.

Evers, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, have all decided not to seek reelection. Hesselbein blistered retiring members who supported the plan, saying it would put the state in a $2.9 billion hole to start the 2027-29 budget. The state would have to make that up through revenue growth, spending cuts, tax hikes or a combination.

Hutton, Chris Kapenga, R-Delafield, and Steve Nass, R-Whitewater, joined all Dems in opposing the package.

“What’s your plan to get out of this hole?” Hesselbein demanded, saying the economy is so shaky that a budget repair bill could be possible before the biennium ends in 13 months.

After the vote, LeMahieu sought to blame Senate Dems for the failed effort, saying they bucked their own governor, turning down the opportunity to put more money into helping schools cover special education costs.

“Voters now know exactly who Senate Democrats serve in Madison: themselves,” LeMahieu said.

The bill cleared the Assembly with the support of 10 Dems, including: Steve Doyle, of Onalaska; Ryan Spaude, of Green Bay; and Joe Sheehan, of Sheboygan. The three had the closest races of any Assembly Dem in 2024. Rep. Jenna Jacobson, an Oregon Dem who’s running for state Senate, also backed the bill. 

Rep. Mark Born, R-Beaver Dam, delivered the only floor remarks after the bill was amended.

“We’re in the season of politics, right? Some of us call this silly season. That’s why we’ve had the opposition we’ve had to this. That’s why there’s a lot of people that are going to vote against what’s best for the hardworking folks in Wisconsin today,” Born said. 

“But I’m pleased and honored to be part of providing real relief, real things that matter to people here in Wisconsin.”