State Sen. Tomczyk highlights key budget investments and legislative priorities
As autumn arrives in Central and Northern Wisconsin, State Sen. Cory Tomczyk (R-29th District) has outlined significant developments in the state budget and the legislative initiatives he is advancing this session. His update focuses on major investments aimed at enhancing local infrastructure, providing economic relief, and addressing workforce needs.
Major budget investments
Rothschild Dam Modernization: The 2025–27 state budget allocates $42 million from the Forestry Account for the modernization and repair of the century-old Rothschild Dam on the Wisconsin River. This project aims to enhance public safety by reducing flood risk, stabilizing Lake Wausau water levels, and supporting the local economy, including longstanding community partner Domtar, which has operated in the area since 1909.
Agricultural Road Improvement Program: A new Wisconsin Department of Transportation grant program will receive $150 million to upgrade weight-restricted farm routes. The initiative focuses on repairing culverts, short-span bridges, and strengthening road bases and shoulders, facilitating smoother transportation of milk, feed, and timber. The first round of grants opens in fall 2025, with construction planned for 2026–27. All funds are dedicated to local road and small-bridge projects, helping ease the burden on property taxes.
Utilities sales tax exemption: The 2025–27 budget extends the residential sales-tax exemption for electricity and natural gas to all twelve months, rather than just November through April. Starting October 1, 2025, Wisconsin residents will see the state sales tax removed from their home utility bills, with estimated statewide savings of $178–$180 million over the biennium. This change promises relief for both summer cooling and winter heating expenses.
Regional Forensic Science Center opens: A previous $7 million budget investment established a regional forensic science and autopsy center at Northcentral Technical College in Wausau. Opened in August 2025, the facility accelerates evidence processing for northern and rural counties and serves as a teaching site for law enforcement and health programs.
Legislative priorities and workforce initiatives
SB 196: Updates unemployment insurance by allowing employers to report when applicants decline or miss job opportunities, with penalties for repeated offenses and safeguards for rescheduling.
SB 216: Modernizes local government bidding thresholds, enabling faster and more cost-effective completion of routine projects.
SB 140: Introduces provisional credentials for social workers who have finished their education but are awaiting exam results, helping address staffing shortages in health and welfare sectors.
SB 27: Requires most state employees to work in person during regular hours, with exceptions for telehealth and certain remote roles, aiming to improve public access and service coordination.
SB 373: Establishes timelines and standards for the prior authorization of therapies and services, aiming to reduce patient delays and administrative burdens for clinicians.
Senator Tomczyk’s legislative efforts reflect a broad commitment to infrastructure, economic stability, and an efficient public workforce, with several new measures set to impact communities across Wisconsin in the coming years.