In a move that highlights the ongoing tensions between Democratic Governor Tony Evers and the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature, the final approval for a $2 billion income tax cut has been delayed. This tax cut is part of a larger package aimed at addressing child care costs, which Governor Evers is expected to veto.
The Senate had already passed the proposal last month, and now it awaits the approval of the Assembly before it can be sent to Governor Evers. However, the delay in the Assembly’s approval suggests that the political divide between the two parties is far from resolved.
This latest development comes after Republicans previously rejected a $1 billion package proposed by Governor Evers during a special session in September. Instead, they put forward an income tax cut that had already been vetoed by the Governor. The ongoing disagreement between Evers and the Legislature revolves around issues of tax cuts and funding for child care services.
Governor Evers had urged the Legislature to pass a comprehensive package that included $365 million in new child care funding, a $65 million boost in University of Wisconsin funding, $200 million for a new engineering building at UW-Madison, $243 million for a 12-week family medical leave program, and additional funding for workforce education and grant programs. However, Republicans rejected this proposal in favor of their own alternative plan.
Originally scheduled for final approval on Thursday, the vote on the tax cut package was delayed until Tuesday. If passed, the measure would lead to a decrease in taxes from 5.3% to 4.4% for individuals earning between $27,630 and $304,170, as well as for married couples earning between $18,420 and $405,550.
This delay in the approval of the income tax cut highlights the ongoing political battles between Democrats and Republicans in Wisconsin. It also underscores the challenges faced by Governor Evers in advancing his policy agenda and the continuing disagreements over tax cuts and funding priorities. The outcome of this debate will have significant implications for the state’s residents and its overall economic landscape.
