MADISON, WI – State Representative Christian Phelps (D-Eau Claire) released the following statement Thursday after the Wisconsin State Senate voted to reject the spending deal negotiated between retiring politicians Robin Vos, Devin LeMahieu, and Tony Evers:
“Wisconsin residents and public schools are struggling, and they need meaningful, lasting relief. But the bill rejected last night in the Wisconsin State Senate prioritized expensive political maneuvers that could have left Wisconsin in a $2.9 billion deficit by 2029. That is why it failed.
“Speaker Vos, Leader LeMahieu, and Governor Evers tried to sell a ‘property tax relief plan’ that did not go far enough in supporting working class people, would have created structural inequities in public school funding, and would have put Wisconsin in a very difficult financial position to fix our deeper economic challenges.
“This is nothing new from our Republican-controlled legislature. I am disappointed, but not surprised, that Speaker Vos wanted to force a vote on a bill that included one-time expenditures that would disproportionately benefit the wealthy.
“But it is important to be honest about all leadership regardless of party. I was also disappointed with Governor Evers’s strategy, as he got together with two Republican outgoing officials and negotiated this allegedly ‘bipartisan’ deal without seeking feedback from any of his Democratic legislative colleagues. Vos, LeMahieu, and Evers then tried to rush it into law.
“Meanwhile, alongside Legislative Democrats, I have documented my ongoing efforts to do the right thing for kids, public schools, and property taxpayers both publicly and privately. Our proposal–Assembly Bill 1176–addresses special education and property taxes, and saves money in the state coffers.
“AB 1176 would result in much more public school funding than the deal we voted on this week, and it is $500 million cheaper. Most importantly, it would address structural underfunding instead of relying on one-time expenditures.
“I absolutely understand why so many struggling Wisconsinites and education professionals want immediate economic support. The path forward is clear: fund public schools, lower local property taxes, invest the surplus in a way that actually lasts. No gimmicks.
“If the retiring leaders in the Capitol are serious about doing the right thing, it’s time to join us and pass AB 1176 before they leave office. The proposal to fund public schools, reduce property taxes, and save money is still on the table.”
