State officials, organizations react to budget agreement

MADISON, Wis (CIVIC MEDIA) – Wisconsin officials and organizations across the state share their thoughts on Governor Tony Evers’ tentative budget agreement with Republican leaders Tuesday.

The proposed budget includes increased funding for public schools and sweeping tax cuts. The state Assembly is expected to vote on the newest rendition of the state budget on Wednesday, July 2.

Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Devin Remiker:

Gov. Tony Evers once again defied the odds in the face of the GOP’s attacks on essential programs as he delivered funding for child care, K-12 education, including special ed, and additional funding for the UW system — all programs and services that Wisconsin’s working families deserve. Thanks to his leadership, and that of our Democratic Assembly and Senate leaders, Greta Neubauer and Dianne Hesselbein, far fewer parents will have to choose between going to work and staying at home with their kids, the next generation of workers will get the education they need, and our state’s economic future can shine a bit brighter.

From where Republicans started this process — opposing funding for child care, K-12, and the UW system — to where it ended is a testament to Gov. Evers commitment to Wisconsin families and making our state a better place to live. He declared 2025 the ‘Year of the Kid,’ and the deal he secured makes that abundantly clear. Compromise is hard, governing is hard, and delivering results without the majority of either chamber is hard — but our governor, working closely with our Democratic leaders, found a way to get this done, and Wisconsin will be better off for it.

Democratic State Senator Chris Larson (District 7):

Democratic State Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (District 18):

This is the first budget in over a decade where the Democratic Senate Caucus had a seat at the table. The new, fair maps created a balanced government, and this is the result: a government that can work together to reach an agreement where everyone walks away wishing they’d gotten more but no one leaves feeling kicked in the teeth. It’s
encouraging to see local priorities like UW-Oshkosh’s Polk Learning Commons and MSP payments addressed in this deal, and I’m hopeful that we can work together to get this over the finish line and move Wisconsin forward, together.

Main Street Alliance:

Main Street Alliance of Wisconsin, representing more than 2,000 small business owners across the state, applauds Governor Tony Evers and legislative leaders for including $330 million in child care funding in the tentative bipartisan budget agreement announced today.

This hard-won investment reflects years of relentless organizing by small business owners who understand that affordable, quality child care is essential to a thriving economy and workforce.

Democratic State Representative Angelina Cruz (District 62):

This article will continue to be updated.