MADISON – The Wisconsin State Legislature voted on a proposal from Governor Evers, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu to spend $1.8 billion of the state surplus. Concerns arose at the realization that this proposal could lead to a significant structural budget deficit in the near future. The measure passed the Assembly, but ultimately failed in the Senate. Rep. Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) voted no and released the following statement: 

“Wisconsinites deserve legislators they can trust—trust to do our jobs, trust to fight for them, and trust to earn their votes, not buy them. 

“The proposed surplus bill could create a significant structural deficit in our state budget, and at a time we are facing Trump’s high cost of living, economic uncertainty, and costs being pushed to our state by a President who is a danger to Wisconsinites and our economy. In order to fund the proposed measures in this bill, Wisconsin would need a tax revenue growth rate of 4%, which given current projections would be very difficult to achieve. As leaders, it is our job to protect our constituents from these threats, which is why I voted no. 

“The proposal we saw this week was negotiated by outgoing elected officials who will not be in office next year to deal with the estimated $2.9B deficit they proposed, which would threaten cuts and create concern across Wisconsin. People are hurting right now and can’t afford more unfair threats to their financial security. Here are some of my concerns about the bill that died in the senate last night:

  1. Our public schools, which we have a constitutional duty to adequately fund, desperately need help right now, but this bill wasn’t providing the long-term help they need. The special education school funding in the bill wasn’t ‘sum sufficient’, meaning the reimbursement rate wasn’t guaranteed. Schools would likely have found themselves in the same position they’re in now in future years. The surplus was being spent in a way that meant it may not actually reach our schools. Further, this bill was structured in a way that wouldn’t stop the cycle of referendums. 
  2. The structural deficit that could be created by this bill would blow a hole in our state finances and could challenge our ability to fund schools as soon as next year. We have to be smart, and if we create a deficit for the state, we know the next governor and legislature may not have the funds needed to adequately fund our schools. The structural deficit created in this bill was reckless and dangerous and threatened our schools in the long-term. 
  3. More than 1/5 of Wisconsin adults weren’t going to receive rebates the way this bill was written. This includes seniors who don’t file income taxes, and those very seniors are also hit hard by property tax increases. Seniors on social security invested their lives, only to be left behind by this bill. And at a time they’re facing rising property taxes that are forcing them out of their homes.
  4. Wisconsinites who qualified for the rebate check would see up to $300 for individuals ($600 for married couples filing jointly), but the $300 was not guaranteed. Once we dug into this proposal, we had serious concerns about how little money far too many Wisconsinites would actually receive, especially considering how much help people need right now. 
  5. The most vulnerable Wisconsinites were not going to get the help they needed under this bill–whether working Wisconsinites or retired seniors, this bill left far too many people behind.
  6. The average property tax reduction was about $100, but Wisconsinites wouldn’t see that decrease until next year, which is not the urgent help people need, nor is it enough help. People need financial relief now, and they need it in much higher amounts. 
  7. There was no help for local municipalities, and with a newly created structural deficit in future years, there was unlikely to be any additional help in the future (that’s your local government’s public safety officers, first responders, and more). 
  8. There was no help for rising childcare costs, as women are disproportionately priced out of the workforce, and as child care counts funding ends at the end of June. This is an urgent issue that is core to many families’ financial challenges right now.
  9. Wisconsin’s technical schools raised concern that changing the funding  model as proposed in this bill could threaten their financial security and ability to train and educate Wisconsin’s workforce, including first responders.
  10. And more. The list goes on. It’s no wonder legislators on both sides of the aisle rejected this deal. 

“What we need right now from our elected leaders is bold, brave and strong leadership.  This moment called for rejecting election year politics and doing what we needed to do to protect our Wisconsinites from the dangers of Washington’s cuts and Trump’s economic woes. 

“The people of Wisconsin deserve action that helps them in this time of uncertainty and unaffordability, and sets this state up for long-term success. We can still make that happen, and we should. Let’s get to work and do what’s right for the people of Wisconsin. 

“May we all remember we are here to serve the people, and build a Wisconsin that works for everyone. Forward, together.”

Rep. Vining represents the 13th Assembly District, which includes Elm Grove, and parts of Wauwatosa and Brookfield. For more information visit Rep. Vining’s website here.