Wisconsin Budget Talks Stall Over $4.3B Surplus

Budget negotiations between Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Republican legislative leaders in Wisconsin have broken down as the July 1 deadline for a new biennial budget approaches. Gov. Evers stated he was willing to accept Republican tax cuts for the middle class and retirees but criticized GOP leaders for rejecting his calls for increased funding for child care, K-12 education, and the University of Wisconsin System. Republicans argue Evers’ spending proposals are unaffordable, though they insist they remain open to compromise. The legislative budget committee plans to continue working to complete the budget, while Democrats warn of possible cuts to essential services. The deadlock comes as Wisconsin faces decisions over how to allocate its $4.3 billion surplus. If no agreement is reached by July 1, the state will keep operating under its current budget.