MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – As Governor Tony Evers announced his state budget plans last night, lawmakers on the other side of the aisle quickly showed their disapproval.
Evers proposed new tax increases, along with the elimination of Act 10 and Wisconsin’s Right to Work law. Brett Healy of the MacIver Institute told the WTAQ Morning News with Matt and Earl that those proposals likely won’t make the final state budget.
“I think the governor is trying to position himself for reelection. Government employees are a large part of his base, a critical coalition for a winning reelection in 2022,” Healy said. “The ink wasn’t even dry on the speech, and already Republicans in both the assembly and senate were voicing their displeasure, saying publicly that they will not go along with overturning Act Ten.”
Republicans will point to the tremendous taxpayer savings of approximately $14 billion spanning nearly every level of the state infrastructure. Healy says it was a big deal to have government employees finally paying towards their own health insurance, and allowing for the flexibility to shop around for the best priced plans for taxpayers, who provide that benefit for government employees.
“Many, many local officials all across the state and used Act Ten to their advantage to balance their budget [or] stave off bankruptcy. I think the chances that Republicans would go along with overturning Act Ten are pretty, pretty slim,” Healy added. “I don’t think anyone here is really surprised that he added this to this budget proposal and I think no one is gonna be surprised when Republicans take it out and sat on the sidelines right away.”
The heightened taxes were also highly criticized, and may be unlikely to pass through the Republican-led legislature.
“The last thing they’re going to want to do is to increase taxes on anyone, especially not going to want to increase taxes on businesses that barely survives 2020 . For some of those businesses, it would be the death knell,” Healy said.
Despite a number a major points of contention, Healy is optimistic that there will be compromise on areas like funding for K-12 schools, juvenile detention reform, and improving the state’s unemployment computer system.
“I do think there are some areas of compromise and cooperation in this budget, and I think upgraded the U. I. system is one of them,” Healy pointed out. “He would like to spend money to upgrade the system so that we won’t have this sort of situation again, where the computer system melts down and people are unable to get temporary aid that they so desperately need.”
As for how the entire budget process will pan out, Healy hopes each party is able to reach across the aisle and build something that is mutually beneficial and agreeable.
“He doesn’t need to kick Republicans in the shins doesn’t need a call names or courage people to criticize them if if you can not do that and then be with Republicans and trying to actually find some common ground I think that’s entirely possible,” Healy said. “It’ll be an interesting debate and we’re just getting started.”
For more information about the budget itself, click here. You can also hear the full conversation here.
