May 2025 Legislative Update 

ICYMI: WPRA Holds Second Capitol Day
On April 23, WPRA members from across the state attended the organization’s second Capitol Day. WPRA members met with legislators to advocate for the reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program (KNSP). With the future of the program uncertain, WPRA members shared local success stories and emphasized the critical role KNSP plays in expanding and enhancing public lands across Wisconsin.

In addition to championing KNSP, WPRA highlighted a range of legislative priorities aimed at strengthening communities through parks and recreation. These included permanent funding for the Office of Outdoor Recreation, full utilization of federal funds for the Transportation Alternatives Program, restoration of eminent domain authority for bike and pedestrian paths, support for youth workforce readiness, and continued investment in child nutrition and out-of-school time programs.

WPRA’s Capitol Day was an opportunity to remind legislators that parks and recreation are essential to economic development, community well-being, and quality of life across Wisconsin.

Budget Pauses and New Revenue Numbers
Budget negotiations at the Wisconsin State Capitol remain stalled as lawmakers await the latest revenue projections and continue to debate how to use the state’s multi-billion-dollar surplus. The nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau now estimates the state will have $335 million less to build the budget than expected earlier this year, due to slower economic growth. Even so, Wisconsin is still projected to have a surplus of more than $4.3 billion heading into the next two-year budget. These updated numbers come as Republican leaders press Governor Evers to meet in person to work out a final budget deal, especially on a proposed tax cut package.

Governor Evers, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu last met in March. Since then, talks have been limited to staff, and Vos has announced the GOP tax cut plan is “on pause” until the governor returns to the table. The governor’s office has said he’s open to meeting again once the revenue estimates are finalized and has emphasized that any tax cuts must also come with investments in his key priorities—like public schools, the UW System, and child care. Lawmakers still have time to complete the budget before the fiscal year ends, but both sides will need to come together soon to avoid further delays.