Republicans in the Wisconsin State Legislature on Wednesday backed out of bipartisan budget negotiations with Gov. Tony Evers toward the 2025-27 Biennial Budget. Republicans’ decision to cease discussions comes after meetings between Gov. Evers and Republican leaders, as well as several staff-level meetings with leaders, have occurred over the span of several months and ramped up in recent weeks.
The following excerpts come from a statement released by Gov. Evers on Wednesday in response to the decision:Â
“I am grateful to the legislators and legislative staff for their efforts over the past several weeks to reach a bipartisan agreement that would have delivered on key priorities for Wisconsinites.Â
“I told Republicans I’d support their half of the deal and their top tax priorities — even though they’re very similar to bills I previously vetoed — because I believe that’s how compromise is supposed to work.
“Unfortunately, Republicans couldn’t agree to support the top priorities in my half of the deal, which included meaningful investments for K-12 schools, to continue Child Care Counts to help lower the cost of child care for working families, and to prevent further campus closures and layoffs at our UW System. So, today, Republicans decided not to move forward with any more bipartisan negotiations with me.Â
“I am admittedly disappointed that Republican lawmakers aren’t willing to reach consensus and common ground and have decided to move forward without bipartisan support instead.”
Click here to read Evers’ full statement.
