May Legislative UpdateSenate Votes Down Property Tax & Education Package Since the conclusion of the regular session in March, there has continued to be discussion among Governor Evers and Republican legislative leaders about a possible property tax and education package. This week, the Governor and GOP leaders announced a compromise package and hailed it as a bipartisan achievement. However, just days later, the deal fell apart when the Senate voted it down 18-15, with all Senate Democrats voting no, joined by Republican Senators Steve Nass, Chris Kapenga and Rob Hutton. The impetus for the deal was the projected $2.5 billion surplus expected at the end of the 2025-27 biennium next June. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu have pushed for property tax relief and returning surplus dollars to taxpayers, while Governor Evers sought a final major investment in public education as part of his legacy as the “education governor.” The proposed $1.8 billion package included:
Opposition to the proposal quickly emerged from both parties. Democratic leaders criticized both the process and spending levels given the Legislative Fiscal Bureau’s projected structural deficit heading into the next budget cycle. At the same time, Congressman Tom Tiffany, who is running for governor, publicly urged Senate Republicans to oppose the package, arguing it spent too much of the state surplus. By Wednesday, it became clear the Senate did not have the votes to pass the package, though legislative leaders still moved forward with floor votes. Shortly after 9 p.m., the Assembly approved the proposal 61-32, with 10 Democrats joining Republicans in support. Soon after, the Senate voted it down. Despite days of negotiations and public pressure from leadership, the deal now appears effectively dead and highlighted growing intraparty divisions within both parties heading into the 2026 election cycle. Suggestions Welcome! WPRA Developing 2027-28 Legislative Priorities Over the summer, the WPRA Public Policy Committee will begin developing the Association’s 2027-28 Legislative Priorities. While major issues — including reauthorization and funding for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program — are expected to remain key priorities, the Committee is also seeking additional ideas and feedback from members. If there are public policy issues, challenges or legislative solutions you would like the PPC to consider, please reach out to Caty McDermott, WPRA Lobbyist, at [email protected]. |