Keeping You Informed on Policy & Advocacy Efforts
Recently at the capitol, Governor Tony Evers delivered his seventh State of the State address, declaring 2025 the “Year of the Kid.” His speech focused on investments in children, families, and schools, including free school meals, expanded mental health services, enhanced gun violence prevention, and addressing lead contamination in drinking water. He proposed nearly $300 million for school-based mental health initiatives and $154.8 million for the “Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids” program. While Evers expressed optimism for bipartisan collaboration under the newly redrawn legislative maps, Republican leaders pushed back, calling his proposals excessive government spending.
Meanwhile, the debate over Act 10 (Changes to collective bargaining passed in 2011) continues. A Dane County judge recently stayed a ruling that would have overturned key provisions of the 2011 law limiting collective bargaining rights for most public employees. The judge cited concerns over potential chaos if the ruling were enforced and later reversed. Republican lawmakers supported the decision, arguing that repealing Act 10 would strain Wisconsin’s finances. The unions challenging the law did not oppose the stay, recognizing that enforcement during the appeals process could create unnecessary confusion.
Legislators are also considering several new proposals that could impact businesses and individuals in the Fox Cities. Below is a list of legislation we are tracking:
LRB-1028 (Rep. Steffen) – Recognizes nuclear power and fusion energy as clean energy sources critical to meeting Wisconsin’s energy demands. Declares the legislature’s commitment to expanding nuclear power, developing nuclear technologies, and investing in fusion energy.
LRB-1296 (Rep. Bare) – Expands the homestead income tax credit to provide additional relief for homeowners.
LRB-0181 (Sen. Jacque) – Creates an income tax exemption for cash tips paid to employees.
LRB-1194 (Sen. Testin) – Places limitations on the total value of taxable property that may be included in, and the lifespan of, a tax incremental financing district (TIF) created in the city of Middleton.
LRB-0284 (Rep. Sortwell) – Establishes a tax credit for employee ownership conversion costs, a capital gains deduction for business transfers to employee ownership, and an employee ownership education and outreach program.
