The exterior dome of the Wisconsin state Capitol is seen in Madison Feb. 15, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
MADISON, WI (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.
Those who voted against the deal are:
- Tim Carpenter (D) Milwaukee
- Kristin Dassler-Alfhei (D) Appleton
- Dora Drake (D) Milwaukee
- Jodi Habush Sinykin (D) Whitefish Bay
- Dianne Hesselbein (D) Middleton
- Bob Hutton (R) Brookfield (not seeking reelection)
- LaToya Johnson (D) Milwaukee
- Chris Kapendga (R) Delafield
- Sarah Keyeski (D) Lodi
- Chris Larson (D) Milwaukee
- Steve Nass (R) Whitewater (not seeking reelection)
- Brad Pfaff (D) Onalaska
- Melissa Ratcliff (D) Cottage Grove
- Kelda Roys (D) Madison
- Jeff Smith (D) Brunswick
- Mark Spreitzer (D) Beloit
- Jaime Wall (D) Green Bay
- Robert Wirch (D) Pleasant Prairie
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.”
Senate Democratic Leader Hesselbien released the following statement on the rejection:
A bi-partisan majority of the Wisconsin Senate rejected this fiscally unsound, reckless and irresponsible bill which would have created a $2.9 billion deficit.
From Day One of this legislative session, Senate Democrats have shown by our actions what we are for.
Democrats have introduced bills that would lower costs, reduce property taxes, fund our schools, make health care and medications more affordable. We have proposed legislation to make sure more people can stay in their homes, to support our farmers, to raise wages and improve working conditions.
We are, and have been, laser-focused on Wisconsin families who are struggling because of the chaos and skyrocketing costs in the Trump Economy.
And that’s why this reckless proposal was not something we could support.
When Democrats are in the majority, we will steer a course to a Wisconsin in which our economy works for all, where schools are sufficiently funded, and health care is affordable and accessible. We will lead from a position of compassion, strength, tolerance, collaboration and fiscal responsibility that brings security to future generations.
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