MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Senate passed the state budget at $87 billion after eight hours of final debate and sent it to Governor Tony Evers. The vote was 23-9. Evans has choices. He has six days to sign the bill or veto parts or all and send it back to the Legislature. If Evers does nothing, the bill automatically becomes law. Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, said he was especially pleased at a “transformational” $3.4 billion tax cut. LeMahieu said the budget made targeted investments in every essential function of state government. He cited new money for schools, frontline healthcare workers, and a fully funded transportation system. Senator Melissa Agard, D-Madison, expressed disappointment. An expansion of Medicaid was not included, meaning, she said, a loss of additional $1.6 billion federal dollars.
