Governor Tony Evers proposed Wisconsin’s biennial budget last week. We’re breaking down some main points in less than 150 words.
Due to Wisconsin’s record-breaking $7.1 billion surplus, Gov. Evers believes we’re “in the best fiscal position we’ve ever been in our 175 years of statehood.” Here’s what he’s proposing for the next two years.
- $2.6 billion towards education — primarily for special education and mental health
- $1.2 billion tax cut — an annual $200 decrease for the average taxpayer
- $750 million towards broadband access — more accessible high-speed internet by 2025
- $305 million for UW System — $130 million less than the UW System requested
- 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave — starting in 2025 for qualifying residents
- Increase minimum wage — with a goal of $10.25 by 2026
- Expand the clean energy workforce — $14 million towards job training + environmental efforts
- New legal system jobs — 100 assistant DAs + public defenders total at $51/hour each
- Road repair and transportation funding — including $50 million/year for ongoing road + bridge repairs
