Madison, WI – Rep. Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc) released the following statement after the Assembly passed Special Session Assembly Bill 1, which later failed in the Senate.
“Over the past several months, my Republican colleagues and I worked with the Governor to find the best path forward to return our state’s surplus and provide financial relief to the hard-working Wisconsin taxpayers,” said Rep. Kurtz. “While no compromise is perfect, this bill would have delivered real tax relief, increased support for special education in our schools, and helped ease the burden of rising property taxes.”
The bipartisan proposal would have returned $1.8 billion of the state surplus to taxpayers and communities in three primary ways: direct rebate checks, eliminating the state income tax on tips and overtime wages, and property tax relief through the school funding formula. An estimated $870 million would have been returned directly to Wisconsin full-time residents, with joint filers eligible for $600 and single filers eligible for $300. The bill also included $300 million in property tax relief for school districts, an additional $50 million through lower technical college levies, and increased special education reimbursement rates to 50 percent in 2026-2027.
“After hours of debate, the Assembly passed the bill with broad bipartisan support on a 61-32 vote,” said Rep. Kurtz. “Unfortunately, the bill failed in the Senate after every Senate Democrat and a few Republicans voted against it.
“I’ve heard from many constituents who are frustrated by rising property taxes following last session’s 400-year veto. Families across our district are looking for relief, and I am disappointed this legislation did not make it to the Governor’s desk. Despite this setback, I remain committed to working across the aisle to deliver meaningful financial relief for the people I represent.”
