Wisconsin Republicans pass $2 billion tax plan heading for a veto by Gov. Tony Evers

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature gave final approval on Tuesday to a $2 billion income tax plan that’s part of a package also aimed private schools and child care costs through tax deductions.

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers is expected to veto.

Republicans gutted a $1 billion Evers proposal to invest in child care, in which he called on the Legislature to pass in a workforce development special session this past September. Instead, they offered a tax cut last month that the governor has already vetoed.

The governor’s spokesperson called the move a “completely unserious proposal.”

The measure Republicans introduced in place would cut taxes from 5.3% to 4.4% for individuals earning between $27,630 and $304,170 and married couples earning between $18,420 and $405,550. It would also increase childcare tax credits and expands tax deductions for private school tuition.

The state Senate passed the plan last month, and after delaying a vote last week, the Assembly gave its approval on Tuesday in a 62-36 vote mostly along party lines, sending it to Evers.

One Republican, Rep. Scott Allen, voted with Democrats against it.

Evers and Republicans, who control the Legislature, have battled for months over tax cuts and investments in child care services.

The plan Evers called on the Legislature to pass would have allocated $365 million in new child care funding, increased spending for the Universities of Wisconsin by $65 million, devoted $200 million to paying for a new engineering building on the UW—Madison campus, established a 12-week family medical leave program costing $243 million, and created workforce education and grant programs.

Republicans have been sitting on what’s billions in budget surplus for nearly two years without putting forth a plan that the governor would sign.