(The Center Square) – Republicans at the Wisconsin Capitol say it’s outrageous Gov. Tony Evers is taking credit for the state’s new, lower tax burden.
“I promised Wisconsinites I’d work to cut your taxes, and I’m damn proud of our results,” Evers said on social media.
The governor made his comments with a link to a story on the Wisconsin Policy Forum report that shows Wisconsin’s burden has hit a two-decade low.
“I signed one of the largest tax cuts in state history, and now, Wisconsin’s tax burden as a share of your personal income is the lowest it’s ever been in state history,” Evers added.
Sen. Julian Bradley, R-Franklin, accused Evers of taking credit for Republican tax cuts, and Republican state budgets.
“The legislature appreciates that you’re damn proud of us for scrapping your tax raising budget in ’21 and passing a responsible one,” Bradley also said on social media.
Evers proposed billions of dollars in new taxes and new spending in each of the three budgets he has presented to the Republican-controlled legislature.
Republican lawmakers then gutted and changed each one on those budgets.
Evers is once again proposing more spending in his to-be submitted state budget. He’s currently on a listening tour to gather public input about the two-year state budget he will deliver to lawmakers after the first of the year.
Republicans are expected to, once again, gut that plan.
Bradley said if Evers really wants to show he’s an ally to taxpayers, he can join Republicans in their efforts to return Wisconsin’s budget surplus.
“How do we get you to release the damn surplus you’re holding hostage? It’s projected to be damn near $4,000,000,000,” Bradley added.
Rep. Nick Rettinger, R-Mukwonago, said that would prove that the governor is serious about tax cuts.
“That’s $4 Billion, with a B,” Rettinger said on social media. “Evers and Democrats are hoarding in a Madison slush fund instead of returning it to hard working Wisconsinites!”
Republican lawmakers say returning the budget surplus is their top priority for the next session.
Evers, along with most Democrats in the legislature, have said they want to spend the surplus on public schools and public health, among other things.
