“Cutting them remains the primary objective for Legislative Republicans,” Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) said. “We have the largest one-time surplus in state history and instead of talking about how to return that money to working families tonight, Governor Evers prioritized adding more spending and growing the size of government.”

“During his speech, Gov. Evers touted providing tax relief during his first six years in office,” said Rep. Karen Hurd, R-Withee. “What he failed to mention is that in the last budget alone he reduced $3.5 billion in tax relief approved by Legislative Republicans to only $175 million through use of his veto pen. Instead of helping Wisconsinites who are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living the governor chose to keep this money in Madison.”

“The governor painted a rosy picture of his plans tonight, but at their core, they are tax and spend policies; Republican policies to address these issues are market-driven and do not expand the bureaucracy,” Senate President Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk) said. “Instead of taking credit for the work Republicans have done, I hope the Governor decides to come to the table this year and work on policies that actually work for Wisconsinites.”

“Governor Evers can try and take credit for the work of Wisconsin Republicans have done to deliver balanced budgets and reduce tax burdens, said Rep. Brent Jacobson. “However, that does not square with the three vetoes he issued last session on historic tax cuts for the middle class, or his numerous vetoes on tax relief for seniors on a fixed income.”

“My Republican colleagues and I know that Wisconsin’s prosperity is the result of a diligent effort to check the growth of government and keep it accountable to the taxpayers,” said Rep. Jacobson.  “We know that our police departments cannot enforce new laws if they do not have the staff or support to even enforce our existing laws. We understand that solving the challenges Wisconsinites face requires us to address their root causes, not write irresponsible blank checks. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Assembly to continue moving Wisconsin forward.”