MADISON, Wis. — As expected, reaction to Gov. Tony Evers’ budget address on Tuesday night was split down party lines.

Many Republicans said they have significant concerns about what the governor is proposing for the budget. Democrats said it will help to move things forward. 

What You Need To Know

  • Gov. Tony Evers delivered his fourth budget address on Tuesday night, earning split reactions from Republicans and Democrats

  • Some Democrats said Evers’ new budget will help prepare and stabilize Wisconsin amid changes at the federal level

  • Republicans said they will take a look at the budget to cut out overspending

  • Despite disagreement, some remain hopeful for compromise

There was no shortage of clapping Tuesday from Evers’ fellow Democrats as he proposed increased funding for education and health care, among other priorities. 

Assembly Republicans said they heard something completely different. 

“From what I heard from the governor, he wants to raise your taxes out of sight so we will take a look at his budget, now that it is dropped, we will take a look at it tomorrow and cut out all the overspending,” said Rep. Chanz Green, R-Grandview.

Some Democrats struggled to understand how those on the other side of the aisle wouldn’t want increased funding for education. 

“I really don’t because we have been spending that much because voters have been voting to raise their own taxes through referendums, so the state really needs to step up and bring back those levels they used to invest, the needs of kids are increasing, our society has changed, we need to fund schools appropriately for the current needs,” Rep. Lee Snodgrass, D-Appleton.

Other Democrats said Evers’ new budget will help prepare and stabilize Wisconsin amid changes at the federal level. 

“What is going on nationally with destabilization, Trump tax increases, gutting of the federal government, Gov. Tony Evers is providing a really strong leadership and a steady hand that we need here home in Wisconsin,” said Rep. Andrew Hysell, D-Sun Prairie. 

And while Republicans, including Rep. Patrick Snyder, have concerns about some of what the governor is proposing in the budget, he said he hopes there is some room to work together in the coming months. 

“That is what we are sent down here to do. To try and work together and compromise and I hope we can do that. The governor’s office and colleagues on the left side of the aisle, we can all get together and try and pound out something that addresses the issues he brought up but be able to not put us into a deficit for the next budget,” said Snyder, R-Weston. 

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