Wisconsin Legislature Eyes Controversial Tax-Education Deal
In a striking visual statement during Tuesday’s budget committee meeting, Rep. Tip McGuire sported a tie adorned with ducks, a nod to the “three lame ducks” who brokered the day’s hotly debated deal. The agreement, aiming to balance tax relief with education funding, has stirred discord among lawmakers, especially within the Democratic Party.
Rep. McGuire, D-Kenosha, frequently criticizes Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, both of whom played key roles in the negotiations. Surprisingly, Gov. Tony Evers, also part of the trio, is from McGuire’s Democratic Party, yet some Democrats believe the compromise falls short on educational benefits.
As McGuire articulated during the session, “Our schools aren’t going to be getting the resources fully that they need. They’ve been struggling for 15 years under legislative Republican leadership.” This sentiment underscores the dissatisfaction among Democrats with the deal, which is set for a full legislative vote on Wednesday.
After extensive talks, the proposal earmarks $610 million for schools, divided between state aid and increased special education reimbursement. This approach is intended to lessen dependency on local funding under revenue limits, thereby potentially reducing property taxes.
Tyler Byrnes of the Wisconsin Policy Forum described the special education funding as a “pretty substantial increase” over previous allocations. However, Byrnes cautioned that local referendums for additional property tax increases could persist.
Educational leaders, while acknowledging the deal’s positive aspects, view it as merely an initial step. State Superintendent Jill Underly remarked, “This investment is a down payment on what Wisconsin kids need and deserve and I hope this momentum continues.”
Despite these acknowledgments, Democratic lawmakers expressed frustration with Evers, opposing the bill along party lines. Sen. Kelda Roys, D-Madison, criticized the agreement as insufficient, emphasizing the need for a sustainable fiscal strategy.
Gubernatorial Candidates Weigh In
Opposition to the plan is not limited to current legislators. Democratic candidates for governor, including Sen. Roys, have voiced disapproval, with only Missy Hughes, a former state economic development official, offering support.
On the Republican side, U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, the leading GOP gubernatorial candidate, dismissed the tax rebate component as a “gimmick,” arguing it does little to address broader fiscal challenges.
Despite the criticism, the proposal advanced in the Joint Finance Committee with Republican backing. Rep. Mark Born, R-Beaver Dam, hailed it as a “big, beautiful bipartisan agreement,” while Sen. Romaine Quinn, R-Birchwood, defended the measures as alleviating future tax burdens.
The full Legislature will review the Evers-Vos-LeMahieu deal on Wednesday, a decision that could shape Wisconsin’s fiscal and educational landscape significantly.
