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Background: Last Wednesday night, Governor Tony Evers delivered his 2023-25 state budget address. Overall, the governor’s proposal represented a leftward lurch in policy, replete with massive new spending and symbolic proposals that would check the box for various interest groups while doing real harm to Wisconsin families.
WILL's policy brief highlights these key provisions in the budget proposal, and shines a light on the areas where legislators and Wisconsinites need to pay attention. Here are some key takeaways:
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Massive Spending Growth: Governor Evers proposed budget increases spending by 18.5% compared to the previous budget. GPR spending would rise by 22.85% compared to the previous budget.
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Agency GPR Growth: Some agencies would see massive growth in GPR spending. For example, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s GPR allocation would grow by 3351%. The Department of Tourism would have a 1027% increase in GPR spending.
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Voucher Freeze: The governor proposes freezing enrollment in Wisconsin's school choice programs at 2024 enrollment levels. This would shut the school house door on thousands of families in Wisconsin desperate for options stuck in schools that aren’t working for them.
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DEI Positions: Governor Evers wants to spend more than $2.9 million of taxpayer dollars on 15 new executive-tier positions whose mandate is to use government activity to increase “equity.”
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Work Requirements: Able-bodied adults are required to participate in the Food Share Employment and Training program to continue receiving Food Share benefits after the first three months. Governor Evers would repeal this requirement despite the economic and personal benefits they bring to the state and its participants.
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