Governor Tony Evers signed Wisconsin’s $111.1 billion biennial budget early this morning, less than an hour after it passed the full Legislature — a strategic move to get ahead of a looming federal restriction.
The urgency stemmed from a provision in a congressional reconciliation bill that would have blocked Wisconsin’s plan to increase a hospital assessment. That provision was designed to draw down additional federal funding, which would then be returned to hospitals. By signing the budget before Congress finalized its bill, state leaders ensured the assessment — and the associated revenue — could move forward.
The budget reflects a compromise between the Governor and legislative leaders, including $1.2 billion in new funding for special education and childcare, and $1.3 billion in tax cuts. The tax relief expands the second-lowest income tax bracket, creates a new exemption for retirees, and eliminates the state tax on residential electricity and natural gas.
Despite the education investment, the budget does not increase general K-12 aid. As a result, property taxes are expected to rise — in part due to the Governor’s veto in the last budget cycle that allows for a $325 per-pupil increase each year when state funding falls short.
The Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA) and Commercial Association of REALTORS (CARW) are monitoring these developments closely as part of its ongoing advocacy efforts.
(updated as of 7/3/25 at 7:07 am)