After three months of negotiations with GOP leaders, Gov. Tony Evers on Tuesday announced that he has reached a tentative bipartisan budget agreement with Speaker Robin Vos, Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu and Democratic Leader Dianne Hesselbein.
It will provide nearly $1.4 billion in spendable revenue for K-12 schools, with the largest increase to the special education reimbursement rate in state history; the largest increase to the University of Wisconsin (UW) system in over two decades; and over $330 million to support Wisconsin’s child care industry and lower child care costs for working families, among other key priorities.Â
The bipartisan agreement, which is contingent upon the governor approving the final committee motion and statutory language drafted by Republican lawmakers, is expected to be finalized quickly in order for the Wisconsin State Legislature to complete its work on the 2025-27 Biennial Budget this week.
In the governor’s view, the budget would:
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Stabilize Wisconsin’s child care industry and lower child care costs for working families;
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Invest in Wisconsin’s kids and public K-12 schools;
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Stabilize UW and support Wisconsin’s future workforce;
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Lower costs on energy and utility bills and cut taxes for working families and retirees;
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Ensure Wisconsinites have access to quality, affordable health care; and
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Support Wisconsin’s roads, bridges and communities.
An overview of the bipartisan budget agreement negotiated by Gov. Evers with legislative leaders is available here.
