Governor Tony Evers in Stevens Point, WI. Image courtesy: WAOW TV
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Governor Tony Evers held a listening session on affordability in Wausau, then issued a challenge to the Republican-controlled legislature.
Find a way to use the state surplus to lower property taxes, even if it means staying in session past the end of February.
The Democrat says that’s one area where he and the Republican-controlled legislature can find middle ground to help lower costs for families. Current projections show the state has a $4 to $6 billion surplus, but Evers knows returning that money to the taxpayers must be done thoughtfully. “You know, property taxes are too high,” said Evers. “That’s one area [we’ll be looking at.] Not all of that is available, but we do have some that is.”
No framework for lowering property taxes is currently in place, and the current legislative session is due to end later this month. Though Evers says they can extend the session into March if necessary. “There is no law that says everyone has to go home at the end of March, end of February. There is plenty of time; it’s just a matter of whether [they] want to help in the affordability world- where there is plenty of problems.
“If there is a way we can work together on that and get some things accomplished, that would be great. Obviously, I’ll be gone after December, but the fact of the matter is that we have some resources now, so we may as well get some things done. The Capitol is going to be open, if the Legislators want to work we can continue working,” added Evers.
The Wausau listening session focused on the affordability of healthcare and food. Evers also held a listening session in Altoona.
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