(WTAQ-WLUK) — A $1.8 billion budget surplus deal was rejected by Wisconsin state senators late Wednesday night.
The chamber was in session for less than 15 minutes. All 15 Democratic state senators were joined by three Republican state senators in voting against the measure, which would have sent rebate payments to taxpayers, provided millions to public schools and eliminated the individual income tax on cash tips and overtime pay.
When Gov. Tony Evers and Republican legislative leaders first announced their agreement Monday, they said they expected the Republican-led legislature to advance the bill Wednesday. Evers and GOP leaders expressed confidence again Tuesday. The state budget committee advanced the plan Tuesday with all Democrats voting against it.
The agreement included an approved amendment by the State Assembly to add $21.4 million in direct disaster relief grants to homeowners and businesses. It also would have expanded a property tax credit for veterans.
“So many Wisconsinites feel left behind, frustrated and disillusioned by politics these days because they think a lot of politicians in the Capitol are only here to serve themselves. And, today, they’re right,” Evers said in a statement.
Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, added: “Today, we’ve seen the worst of Madison politics. Senate Democrats stood together to buck their own governor to deny working families tax relief and leave $2.5 billion sitting in a Madison bank account instead of helping schools perform special education services. Voters now know exactly who Senate Democrats serve in Madison: themselves.”
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