Madison, WI — State Representative Travis Tranel (R–Cuba City) voted today in favor of the bipartisan 2025-27 Wisconsin State Budget compromise, calling it a good, forward-looking budget that supports economic growth while delivering for families, farmers, small businesses, and rural communities throughout the 49th Assembly District.
“This budget reflects southwest Wisconsin priorities and shared values,” said Rep. Tranel. “It delivers real, meaningful support for the hardworking people who make our communities strong—farmers, educators, seniors, and small business owners. I’m thankful to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts and priorities. Together, we’ve passed a responsible, balanced budget that addresses local needs and respects taxpayers.”
Budget Highlights:
Tax Relief for Working Families & Seniors
• $1.5 billion in tax cuts
• Ends sales tax on residential gas and electric utility bills (saving $178 million statewide)
• New retirement income tax exemption to help seniors
Historic Investments in Education
• $1 billion in funding for K-12
• Historic special education investment of $500 million
• $30 million for school based student mental health services
Healthcare and Public Safety
• Protects SeniorCare
• Cost-to-continue increases for Medicaid approved
• Grants for crisis urgent care and observation facilities ($10 million)
• New Assistant DA positions approved for Grant and Crawford Counties (2)
Child Care Access and Affordability
• $330 million to strengthen early childhood and child care programs
• $2 million matching grant to help build a new child care facility in Platteville
UW System and Higher Education
• $45 million in operating support for the UW System – with accountability reforms
• $6.7M allocated to plan Ottensman Hall renovation and expansion at UW–Platteville.
• Continued support for the Dairy Innovation Hub
Agriculture, Conservation, and Rural Infrastructure
• $150 million for the Agricultural Road Improvement Program (ARIP)
• $800,000 in dairy processor grants and $1 million for meat processor expansion
• Ongoing investment in mental health services for farmers
• Provided 3% increases in General Transportation Aids (GTAs) in each year
• $100 million for Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP-S)
• Increased funding for cover crop programs, nitrogen optimization, and watershed partnerships
“This budget shows that when we put politics aside and focus on what matters, we can deliver real results for Wisconsin families,” said Rep. Tranel. “From prioritizing lower taxes and child care to better roads and stronger farms, this budget puts communities first. I’m proud to have worked alongside Sen. Marklein, Rep. Novak, and Rep. Kurtz in fighting for southwest Wisconsin.”
To see the full budget please visit the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau website at https://legis.wisconsin.gov/LFB/. The passed budget now heads to Governor Tony Evers for his signature. (Assembly 59 to 39 and Senate 19 to 14)
