Gov. Tony Evers expressed confidence that a deal could be struck with GOP lawmakers to use at least some of the state’s projected $2.5 billion surplus, saying they were down to “basic things” to hash out.

Evers acknowledged things could still “fall apart,” and he declined to offer specifics to reporters yesterday during a stop in New Glarus. 

In a social media post Sunday, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, wrote “Our proposal encompasses” property tax relief, rebate checks, a tax exemption on tips and overtime, and additional special education funding.

Evers said the outstanding issues could be counted on “one hand maybe.”

“I believe we’ve moved from a whole bunch of things to some very basic things. That will help us get things done,” Evers said.

During his stop, Evers declined to say whether renewing the stewardship program was still an option in the new package, though he said it needs to be addressed. Authorization for the program runs out June 30.

“I think it’s an easy one,” Evers said. “Whether it’s part of this deal or not, we’re still talking about it.”

The speaker’s office didn’t return messages yesterday seeking additional comment on Vos’ social media post. Neither did the office of Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu. The Oostburg Republican has said his caucus wants a tax rebate to be part of any deal.

“Let’s hope we can convene the Legislature (we need the GOP State Senate to agree) soon so we can get this package enacted,” Vos wrote in his post.

Other Assembly Republicans echoed Vos’ message on social media. Rep. Calvin Callahan, R-Tomahawk, posted Sunday on Facebook the same outline that the speaker included in his. 

“More to come, let’s get this done,” Callahan wrote.

Rep. Barb Dittrich, R-Oconomowoc, added in a post this morning that, “I cannot get into details at this point, but we are very close to a deal with the governor and should have something actionable in a few weeks.”

The social media posts didn’t include details on how the Legislature may take up any deal after it adjourned the regular session last month.

Evers called a special session starting today to take up a constitutional amendment barring partisan gerrymandering. Under the Wisconsin Constitution, the Legislature can only act on a proposal in special session if it’s germane to the governor’s call.