Wisconsin Gov. Evers submits final budget proposal of term, says no decision on reelection plans

Wisconsin Democratic Governor Tony Evers’ new two-year, $91 billion budget proposal is already being met with opposition from Republicans in both chambers.

Evers announced the new budget plan on Tuesday night to lawmakers.

“We really do need to get money for our small businesses because they have suffered — all across the country but particularly in Wisconsin, particularly in small towns in Wisconsin,” Evers said.

That’s one area — COVID-19 relief — where Evers said he hopes to strike a deal with Republicans who control the legislature.

Evers also hopes agreement can be all be reached by increasing venture capital for startups, education funding, improving broadband access and flood mitigation in western Wisconsin.

Legalizing marijuana in Wisconsin is also an issue Evers proposed where taxes generated from sales could be used to help fund rural schools.

Wisconsin governor introducing recreational, medical marijuana as part of state next budget

“Our proposal really localizes it, make sure it’s a Wisconsin product, it’s highly regulated and I think it’s time,” Evers said.

But Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, a Republican, called it a "poisoned pill" to include in the budget, saying it has zero chance of passing — along with Evers’ partial repeal proposal of Act 10, the state’s collective bargaining law.

A unique relationship remains since the early days of the pandemic between the governor and Republican legislative leaders after COVID restrictions have led to legal challenges in court.

“It’s been a bitter disappointment,” Evers said. “Because, regardless of who’s been president, we understand that wearing a mask is really important, in order to stave off the expansion of a pandemic.”

Evers calls for more education spending, $1 billion tax hike

Evers expects his mask mandate — the latest battle with some in the legislature — will eventually be settled down the road by the state’s Supreme Court.

The governor told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS he’s yet to decide if he’ll run for reelection but expects to possibly announce after the budget process concludes.

As far as his budget, Republicans in the state Assembly and Senate will now spend the next several months reworking the proposal before passing trying to pass a version this summer.