ONEIDA RESERVATION (WTAQ) — Will Governor Tony Evers sign the newly passed $87.5 billion Wisconsin State Budget?
Despite being asked the question directly during an appearance in Ashwaubenon on Thursday, we aren’t any closer to knowing. Evers answer was non-committal.
“I hate to say this, but it’s too early,” Evers said, claiming he hasn’t even seen the bill yet. “As soon as we get it, we will start that process.”
Evers said his signature depends on the wording used in the budget bill, which was passed Wednesday by the State Senate.
“I’m looking forward to finally getting it,” said Evers. “And spending lots of time over the next few days going through it, and seeing what what we’re gonna do with that different parts of it that may be changed.”
That ‘may be changed’ refers to the fact that Evers has the option of vetoing the entire budget, vetoing sections of the budget, or to do nothing and allow the budget to take effect without his signature.
It includes a major tax cut, something Evers said wasn’t a deal-breaker.
“Finding tax relief is important,” said Evers. “In my first budget, we did a billion dollars worth of tax cuts for middle class Wisconsinites, so it’s not that I’m opposed to that.”
The fiscal year ended when the clock struck midnight on July 1st, but unlike with the federal government, Wisconsin’s state government doesn’t shut down if a new budget isn’t put into force before the fiscal year begins. Until a new budget is passed, spending will remain at levels set in the previous budget.
The budget, passed by the Republican-controlled state legislature, diverges considerably from the budget originally proposed by the Democratic governor. It spends less–and in different areas–than the Governor had asked for, but still represents an increase in state spending.
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