Evers, Republicans Continue To Spar Over State Budget

In his budget address Wednesday night, Democratic Governor Tony Evers told Republican legislators that their work on a two-year state budget should not be “hindered by partisanship.” But there are wide disagreements between Evers and Republicans on what to do with the state’s record $7.1 billion budget surplus. Republicans are looking for tax cuts, as is Evers. But the governor’s request for an historic $2.6 billion funding increase to K-12 schools is likely to be a tough sell. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos called Evers’ budget plan “devoid of reality.” State Senator Howard Marklein of Spring Green, the chair of the Joint Finance Committee calls Evers’ budget address “a liberal wish list.” The governor’s budget now goes to the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee.