Rep. Rob Kreibich

The Assembly recently voted for a bipartisan compromise that would have returned $1.8 billion of our budget surplus back to the taxpayers. Unfortunately, the bill was killed in the Senate.

To help with rising costs, the measure eliminated the tax on tips and overtime income, allowing workers to keep more of their money. This tax cut did not expire in 2028 like the federal model. Instead, it provided more than $230 million in permanent, ongoing tax relief for workers who rely on tips and overtime wages.

The agreement provided $300 million in property tax relief to all school districts via the school funding formula and $50 million in property tax relief via the tech colleges by lowering the amount of debt they’re allowed to levy.

In addition, the latest budget secured the largest single increase in special education reimbursement rates. The surplus agreement provided an additional $85 million in year one and $230 million in the second year, raising the rate to 50% in 2026-27.

To further help Wisconsinites with increasing costs, the compromise sent over $862 million directly to the taxpayers through rebate payments. In-state residents would be eligible for a payment up to $300, with married filers eligible to receive up to $600.

The state surplus belongs to the people of Wisconsin, not the government. This deal was a rare

bipartisan agreement between the Governor and the GOP. Every Democrat state senator, along with three Republican senators, killed the proposal. Now the surplus will sit unused, instead of going back to the taxpayers.

If you have any questions or comments, or would like to join my mailing list, please feel free to reach out

to me at 608-237-9128 or at Rep.Kreibich@legis.wisconsin.gov.

Rep. Rob Kreibich represents Wisconsin’s 28th Assembly District, consisting of parts of St.

Croix, Pierce and Dunn counties.