Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers Vetoes GOP Tax Cut & Increases School Funding For 400 Years

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D-Wisconsin) signed off on a two-year spending plan, using his vetos to void a Republican tax cut and increase school funding.

Evers reduced the GOP income tax cut from $3.5 billion to $175 million and increased the funding that K-12 public schools can raise per student by $325 a year until 2425. Under his veto, Evers stated that schools will have “predictable long-term spending authority.”

The remaining $175 million in tax cuts over the next two years will be directed to tax rates paid by households earning less than $36,840 a year, or individuals who make less than $27,630. The budget will also increase pay for all state employees by 6% over the next two years.

Republicans have objected to Evers’ latest decisions. In a statement, Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said that allowing the school revenue limit to increase forever would result in “massive property tax increases,” as schools would be able to raise taxes if state aid isn’t enough to meet the per-student cost.

“Legislative Republicans worked tirelessly over the last few months to block Governor Evers’ liberal tax and spending agenda,” said Vos. “Unfortunately, because of his powerful veto authority, he reinstated some of it today.”

Evers is known for utilizing his veto power. He recently removed a measure that would prohibit Medicaid payments for gender-affirming care, accusing the conservative legislature of “perpetuating hateful, discriminatory and anti-LGBTQ policies and rhetoric.”

It is unclear if Republicans will attempt to override Evers’ vetoes.

Article by Ava Lombardi