On Thursday, Governor Evers signed the Republican state budget into law, which includes the largest middle-class tax cut in over a generation. While Evers' original budget proposal would have raised taxes by over $1 billion, this budget will return more than $3.4 billion from the state's surplus back into the pockets of the Wisconsin taxpayers and save the average family $1,200 a year.
In addition, this budget provides a significant funding boost to Wisconsin’s healthcare system, namely by increasing access to high-quality, affordable healthcare and focusing on care for the elderly and disabled. Specifically, this budget will invest $104 million over the biennium into the Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) program, $30 million to nursing homes, directs $150 million in federal funds to long-term care facilities, and increases funding for the Dementia Care Specialist Program by $3.5 million.
Despite these accomplishments, I am extremely disappointed that Governor Evers vetoed a $750,000 grant to Minocqua's Lakeland STAR Academy for the second time in his term of office. This school is unique to the Northwoods as it fills a much needed gap for children with autism and special needs. Their ultimate goal is to provide students with the confidence and determination to live self-sufficiently and find gainful employment post-education. The former State Superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction showed his true colors and turned his back on autism education and the Northwoods as a whole in his decision to veto this funding.
Lastly, Governor Evers vetoed Assembly Bill 191, which would have eliminated the personal property tax in Wisconsin. At a time when small businesses need help from the state, Evers overlooked their concerns and decided to put even more challenges on their plates.