Madison – Today, Rep. Joy Goeben (R-Hobart) shared her disappointment in last night’s missed opportunity by both Democrats and outgoing Republican Senators:

“I am distressed to see legislators from both sides of the aisle let perfect be the enemy of good. I have been hearing from people back home during my entire tenure in the State Assembly that they want both parties to work together to find common ground that benefits the people of the state. This deal was a true compromise, and selfish politicians who won’t have to face the voters sided with Democrats, voting down a measure with real relief for taxpayers.

“Like I said in my floor speech yesterday I had hoped my colleagues wouldn’t let the disconnected political bubble influence their actions, however my plea fell on deaf ears. Now Wisconsin taxpayers continue to pay the price of a 400 year veto, our schools won’t receive additional funding for special education, property tax relief has evaporated, rebate checks have gone up in smoke, and we’re all worse off for it.

“Sometimes bipartisan deals don’t look great to both sides but that’s a nature of a compromise. The people in our districts sent us to Madison to find the best possible solutions to the problems facing our daily lives and this bill had great wins for Wisconsinites,” shared Rep. Goeben.

Under the bill, Wisconsin taxpayers would have received $300 for individual filers and $600 for joint filers, while tips and overtime wages would have been exempt from state income taxes. The legislation also increased funding for special education, provided additional disaster relief assistance to communities impacted by recent flooding, and included an agreement on property tax relief to help offset the Governor’s 400-year veto.

“It is my hope the Legislature can come together and find a resolve of purpose to work together to find a compromise to help Wisconsinites. I remain committed to that goal and will continue to work with my colleagues to find a solution for our constituents,” concluded Rep. Goeben.

The bill passed the Assembly with bipartisan support (61-32). It failed in the Senate (15-18).