State Rep. Brent Jacobson (R – Mosinee) reacted to the Assembly passage of the 2025-27 state budget.

“The difference between the budget we passed today and the proposal we received from Governor Tony Evers is night and day,” said Rep. Jacobson. “Governor Evers asked us for a dramatic expansion of government and bureaucracy, radical left-wing policy changes, and over $3.7 billion in new taxes. Instead, the budget I voted for today cuts the bureaucracy in Madison, blocks attacks on conservative reforms like Act 10 and school choice, and secures $1.5 billion in tax relief for working Wisconsinites and retirees on a fixed income.”

The 2025-2027 State Budget also invests $42 million in modernizing the dam over the Wisconsin River in Rothschild. This funding secures $100 million in private investments for updates to keep the paper mills in Rothschild and Nekoosa. Rep. Jacobson commented on this consequential investment:

“The timber and paper mill industries are crucial for the families in my district. This investment ensures the long-term viability of our Central Wisconsin paper mills and the thousands of jobs they support.”

“Divided government means negotiation and compromise,” said Rep. Jacobson. “While there are parts of this budget that I am unsatisfied with, there are significant conservative wins for Wisconsin families and the 87^th Assembly District as well. I am proud to vote to secure major reforms to the UW System, free market solutions to childcare, and meaningful tax relief that will benefit every one of my constituents.” 

Sen. Cory Tomczyk (R-Mosinee) released the following statement.

“Wisconsin’s 2025–2027 biennial state budget represents responsible investment in the future of our state. From historic tax relief, targeted funding for rural communities, and major infrastructure initiatives, this budget reflects a bipartisan commitment to building a stronger, safer, and more affordable Wisconsin for everyone.

“This budget provides nearly $1.5 billion in tax relief to working families and seniors. It reduces income taxes for the middle class, lowers taxes on retirement to ease the burden on older Wisconsinites, and removes the sales tax on electric bills. For those in the service industry, the budget also exempts tipped income from taxation, allowing thousands of workers to keep more of what they earn.

“Rural communities are central to Wisconsin’s identity and economy, and this budget delivers for them in a big way. Increased support for the Local Roads Improvement Program (LRIP) and continued investment in the Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP), funded at $150 million, will ensure that small towns and farming regions have the infrastructure they need to stay connected and competitive.

“I am thankful to have been able to secure funds in this budget from Wisconsin’s Forestry account to help Domtar repair their failing 100-year-old dam on the Wisconsin River. If this dam were to break, Lake Wausau would drain and cause a catastrophic flood downstream. Thank you to Domtar for their investment in the dam and for their commitment to invest over $100 million into their plants in Nekoosa and Rothschild, thus cementing their presence in Central Wisconsin well into the future. This is a huge win and a worthwhile use of state dollars without increasing spending. The state is transferring $42 million from the Forestry account to help replace the dam with the remaining funding being matched by Domtar Corporation. This public-private partnership is a strong example of how government and industry can work together to grow our communities.

“Altogether, this budget reflects bipartisan policymaking that prioritizes working families, invests in rural communities, and renews Wisconsin’s infrastructure for the next generation.”

SCOWIS decision

On July 2, Rep. Jacobson condemned the Supreme Court of Wisconsin’s decision on abortion.

“As a father to two beautiful children and an unflinching pro-life advocate, I am deeply disappointed in the Court and its conclusion in this case,” said Rep. Jacobson. “Once again, the radical liberal majority on the Court has put their partisan agenda ahead of their constitutional duty to interpret the law. I now have no confidence that this court will put life over politics when future abortion restrictions come before it, regardless of the decisions of the People’s representatives in the Legislature or what is said in Wisconsin law.”

Hearing protection for police, fire

On July 2, SB 283 was signed into law as 2025 Wisconsin Act 14. This legislation establishes a program to provide law enforcement and fire protective services with hearing protection devices. As the Assembly author of this legislation, Rep. Brent Jacobson (R – Mosinee) released following statement:

“In the process of keeping us safe, the brave men and women who work as police officers and firefighters routinely experience dangerous levels of noise and permanent hearing loss,” said Rep. Jacobson. “Act 14 gives our public servants access to advanced hearing protection devices, safeguarding their quality of life and reducing workers compensation claims for hearing damage. This assistance is especially meaningful for small or rural departments like the ones in my district.” 

Act 14 establishes a program to provide law enforcement agencies and fire departments with active hearing protection devices, which dampen harmfully loud noises while allowing non-hazardous noise to pass through. This program will receive $2.6 million in funding through the 2025-27 Budget.