EC Wisconsin News

The Wisconsin State Senate has passed Senate Bill 45, the state budget bill for 2025-27. Senator Romaine Robert Quinn (R-Birchwood) expressed his support for the bill, highlighting its focus on tax cuts and investments in Northern Wisconsin.

Quinn stated, "As a member of the Joint Finance Committee, I set out my priorities at the very beginning of the budget process to lower taxes and focus on the needs of Northern Wisconsin. Today I’m proud to vote for a budget that delivers meaningful reforms for the people of Wisconsin including tax cuts and investments in education, childcare, and roads for rural areas."

The new budget is designed to return surplus funds to taxpayers. It contrasts with Governor Evers' initial proposal from February, which included $2.7 billion in tax hikes. Instead, this budget aims to cut taxes by $1.5 billion.

In addition to financial adjustments, the budget introduces efficiencies by reducing government positions and spending less than originally proposed by Governor Evers. The governor's initial plan had called for an increase in spending and more full-time positions.

The approved budget also emphasizes several key reforms such as significant tax relief for middle-class families and retirees, removal of sales tax from utility bills, tripling adoption expense deductions, reauthorizing school safety funding, increasing special education funding, investing in childcare services, supporting veterans' care, and setting aside funds for mental health services development.

Quinn concluded with a call to action: "I am proud of the work that went into this budget. Now I am asking Governor Evers to sign this budget without changes and without delay so these reforms can begin having an immediate impact in Northern Wisconsin."