Madison, Wis: Today, Representative Ann Roe (D-Janesville) joined fellow Democrats in authoring 24 amendments to the 2025-2027 Wisconsin State Budget. After Republicans voted against all 24 amendments, the Wisconsin State Assembly passed the State Budget. Rep. Roe voted no on the final State Budget Bill.
“As my colleagues noted, budget building should take place in a thoughtful, common-sense atmosphere, not a pressure-cooker,” Rep. Roe said.
The UW System had been threatened with budget cuts that put some of its schools at risk of closure, abandoning thousands of students who saw a future at these institutions. In his 2025-2027 State Budget, Governor Evers proposed an $856 million investment in the UW System. Republicans throughout the budget process threatened to cut tens of millions of dollars from the UW System. In response, after Governor Evers and Senate Democrats dragged Republicans back to negotiations, they agreed on an increase of $256 million for the UW System.
“Due to the rushed process, most of Wisconsinites’ priorities are not addressed. Though some aspects of the State Budget have wins, this dollar amount will only keep the UW System’s lights on and keep campuses open. Democrats are continuing to fight to protect students, educators, and campuses to ensure that higher education remains accessible to all Wisconsinites, but this small increase is kicking the can down the road,” Rep. Roe added.
In the budget deal, the special education reimbursement rate will increase to 42% in the first year of the biennium and a 45% reimbursement in the second. This remains well below the 60% reimbursement goal Governor Evers had initially proposed. Additionally, the 2025-27 State Budget is the first time in at least 15 years that there has been no increase in general aid for K-12 public education in Wisconsin.
These proposals fall short of meeting the needs of K-12 public education statewide. While a few school districts may be okay, at least 200 districts across Wisconsin could be forced to pursue yet another funding referendum, which places the financial burden on property owners once again.
As healthcare challenges continue to grow across Wisconsin—particularly in light of potential federal actions—Republican lawmakers voted to reject proposals to expand Medicaid in the 2025–27 State Budget. They also voted against extending postpartum Medicaid coverage; both provisions were initially included in Governor Evers’ budget.
By refusing these critical healthcare investments, Legislative Republicans are turning their backs on policies that would support Wisconsin’s taxpayers, seniors, children, mothers, and families—decisions that will continue to have long-lasting consequences for communities across the state.
After the State Budget vote, Rep. Roe stated:
“I respect the efforts of Governor Evers, the Joint Finance Committee, and Senate leadership to negotiate with extreme Republicans; however, this is not a budget Assembly Democrats would have written. And while it’s better in some areas, overall, it is not a good budget for Wisconsin.”
“The so-called tax cuts will not really deliver substantive relief for those who need it the most. And for those who do receive a tax cut in the second bracket, their savings amount to maybe $5 a week for an entire household.”
“Coming on the heels of the disastrous Federal Budget Bill, State Republicans have put the interests of the wealthy ahead of serving our working families, our kids, our veterans, and our seniors.”
