MADISON, Wis. — This week, Governor Evers and Republican Legislative Leaders announced a spending deal that would use $1.8 billion of Wisconsin’s $2.5 billion surplus. The largest portion of this proposal was an $870-million income tax rebatement.
Representative Randy Udell (D-47th District) released the following statement:
“This deal is disappointingly shortsighted. We cannot burn our surplus in one-time spending and long-term tax cuts that leave us in a structural deficit by next fall. Rising inflation, rising costs from Trump’s war, and a looming $800 million cost contingent on a federal hospital assessment ruling are all existing obstacles to Wisconsin’s next state budget.
“In return, this proposal’s rebates would gift Wisconsin’s higher earners up to $300, or $600 for joint filers, while our lowest-income taxpayers and seniors living on social security would receive nothing. Everyone is struggling right now, but this isn’t worth killing our surplus for.
“The special education reimbursement and property tax relief portions of this proposal remain vital legislative priorities. I understand Governor Evers’ desire to deliver on school aid before he leaves office, but this proposal creates more problems than answers.”
