Governor Evers Calls for Budget Bipartisanship, Vos Says it's 'Devoid of Reality'

Thursday, February 16th, 2023 -- 12:01 PM

(Bob Hague, WRN) Governor Tony Evers calls for cooperation, in his budget address.

The Democratic governor told Republican legislators that their work on a two-year state budget should not be “hindered by partisanship" “As you consider this breakthrough budget, let’s not just dismiss ideas because they’re proposed by a person or a party you dislike.”

Evers and Republicans differ on what to do with the state’s record $7.1 billion budget surplus. Both sides are looking for tax cuts. But the governor’s request for an historic $2.6 billion funding increase to K-12 schools is likely to be a tough sell.

Evers made a case for finding common ground, as he delivered his budget address Wednesday night at the Capitol. “Let’s dispose of the notion that priorities in this budget are somehow extreme, or farfetched.”

The governor proposes targeted tax relief and an historic $2.6 billion funding increase to K-12 schools. Speaker Robin Vos’ take? “It was a budget that is absolutely devoid of reality.” Evers’ budget plan now goes to the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee.

Evers laid out an ambitious wish list in his state budget address Wednesday night, while making a pitch for bipartisanship. “These aren’t Republican or Democratic priorities, they’re Wisconsin priorities. Areas where we should be able to find common ground.”

Joint Finance Committee co-chair Senator Howard Marklein said he’s “seen this movie before.” “Deficit spending, and a liberal wish list.” Marklein said the committee will start from base, to build a budget that funds the state’s priorities.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.