The Wisconsin State Budget process has ignited a fierce political debate as the Joint Finance Committee removed over 600 items from Governor Tony Evers' budget proposal. Republicans justified their actions by stating they would start from a "base" budget, criticizing Evers' plan for excessive spending and tax increases. Meanwhile, Democrats accused Republicans of blocking all proposals without offering an alternative to address public concerns.

Public feedback emphasized the need for investments in education and healthcare. Despite a $4 billion surplus, key initiatives such as Medicaid expansion, childcare funding, and lead pipe replacement were eliminated. Republicans suggested alternative legislative processes for these ideas while emphasizing their intent to rebuild the budget positively. This divide highlights differing visions for Wisconsin's fiscal future.

Republican Approach to Budget Revision

Republicans have adopted a strategy of resetting the budget to its base form, eliminating what they perceive as reckless spending and policy changes proposed by Governor Evers. By removing hundreds of items, including tax brackets for high earners and healthcare expansions, they aim to construct a more conservative financial plan.

This approach involves starting with the existing 2023-2025 budget framework rather than building on Evers' suggestions. Committee co-chairs Sen. Howard Marklein and Rep. Mark Born argue that Evers' budget includes impractical policies and excessive spending. They believe in addressing issues through current laws and budget operations by reallocating funds where necessary. For instance, instead of adopting Evers' childcare funding method, they suggest enhancing existing programs. Furthermore, they anticipate potential changes in budget drafting following the state Supreme Court's decision regarding partial vetoes, which may influence how years and dates are specified in the budget documentation.

Democratic Criticism and Proposed Amendments

Democrats have strongly criticized the Republican move to eliminate essential budget items, asserting that this action ignores popular public demands. They propose retaining several critical components, such as childcare funding and Medicaid expansion, arguing that these measures are crucial for supporting families and improving overall welfare.

Sen. LaTonya Johnson highlighted the urgent need to reinstate $420 million for the Child Care Counts program, warning of an impending crisis if these slots expire in June without a replacement plan. Another motion aimed at reintroducing Medicaid expansion, stressing the importance of providing coverage for those up to 138% of the federal poverty line. Additionally, a proposal focused on preserving veteran-related items, including tax credits and mental health funding, was put forward by Rep. Tip McGuire, who urged bipartisan support for veterans despite broader political disagreements. These motions reflect Democratic efforts to carve out areas of agreement amidst significant ideological divides, although all were rejected by Republicans, further intensifying the debate over how best to serve Wisconsinites' needs.