Last night Governor Tony Evers gave his Budget Address to the legislature, outlining his proposed 2021-2023 biennial budget.
I am grateful that because of a decade of responsible budgeting by legislative Republicans, Wisconsin is in a good spot financially. Despite the financial struggles brought on by the pandemic, revenues are higher than expected heading into the next biennial budget. This does not, however, mean we can spend recklessly and forget how we got to this point. It took years of work and many tough decisions to get here and I know that we can continue on the same path.
I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) over the next several months to craft a budget that is fiscally sound and works for all Wisconsinites. Legislative Republicans are committed to holding the line on taxes, improving infrastructure, and providing quality education. The budget is not a place to insert divisive policy – it is a document meant to set Wisconsin up for success for the next two years so that our shared goals are met and our priorities are funded. I am committed to working hard throughout this process to make sure that this budget is something we can all be proud of.
In the coming months, you will have several opportunities to let me know about your priorities as JFC begins our work on the budget. In the meantime, if you have feedback on the Governor's budget proposal, I encourage you to contact my office.
In Session
The Assembly was in session yesterday prior to the Governor’s Budget Address to consider several important policies.
Supporting Small Businesses
Assembly Bill 2 (AB 2) was passed to modernize Wisconsin tax code. Among its provisions include ensuring that Wisconsin businesses who accepted a forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan won’t face a $431 million state tax burden. AB 2 as amended ensures that businesses who received PPP loans will be able to exclude the loan amount from their taxable incomes and permit businesses to deduct qualified expenses. AB 2 was amended on the floor to include businesses who received state grants through the "We’re All In" program or the Ethnic Minority Emergency Grant as well. The bill passed in the Assembly with bipartisan support. The legislation is expected to pass in the Senate and head to the Governor’s desk for his consideration.
Continuing to Provide Property Tax Relief
Under current law, Wisconsin is able to participate in multijurisdictional lotteries, but “multijurisdictional” is defined as only states and territories in possession of the United States and Canada. Powerball is currently seeking to expand its game to Australia and the United Kingdom. Without expanding the statutory definition of multijurisdictional, Wisconsin would no longer be able to participate in Powerball. Assembly Bill 28 (AB 28) was passed to expand the definition of “multijurisdictional” to include any other country or nation. This is important because lottery sales contribute to property tax relief in our state. I was proud to co-author this bill, and was pleased to see it pass unanimously in both the Assembly and Senate today. I urge Gov. Evers to sign this bill when it gets to his desk.
American Heart Month
The Assembly also unanimously passed Assembly Joint Resolution 6 (AJR 6), proclaiming February 2021 to be American Heart Month in Wisconsin. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Wisconsin. Cardiovascular disease and stroke cause one in three deaths each year for women. In Wisconsin, this amounts to the death of nearly 10,000 women per year or about 18 women each day. Yet, 80% of cardiac events can be prevented by education and lifestyle choices. Raising awareness can save lives, which is why I authored this resolution along with Rep. Rozar, Sen. Ballweg and Sen. Darling.
Contacting My Office
My capitol office is here to help you with general inquiries as well as questions and concerns regarding legislative matters. Feel free to contact me or my staff. We are always ready to assist you.
