This week, Marquette University Law School released a poll that showed Wisconsin voters supported the failed $1.8 billion surplus package that would have delivered rebates, and relief to taxpayers and schools.
According to the poll, every four out of five Wisconsin adults said that the State Legislature should’ve passed said proposal. Only eleven percent said that the lawmakers were correct in their decisions to vote it down. The poll showed support across the aisles; 77% support from Republicans, 81% of independents, and 82% of Democrats. (RELATED: Wisconsin Republicans Endorse Candidates at 2026 State Convention)
The package was a bilateral effort negotiated by Governor Evers, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R), and Senate Majority Leader Devin Lemahieu (R). The bill would’ve used an estimated $1.8 billion of Wisconsin’s $4.6 billion surplus to increase funding for special education, reduce school property taxes, $300 rebate checks to taxpayers, and eliminate state taxes on tips and overtime.
The bill collapsed in the Senate earlier this month with all Senate Democrats and 3 Republicans voting against it. The bill passed the Assembly with a bipartisan vote 61-31. Republican Senators, Steve Nass, Chris Kapenga, Rob Hutton provided the votes to kill the bill.
Senate Democratic Leader Hesselbien felt the bill was a “fiscally unsound, reckless, and irresponsible” bill. However, the Marquette Poll still showed evidence that Wisconsin voters supported the bill. 69% said that the bill would have been better to pass now, opposing the 21% who said it was best to wait another year. (RELATED: Hong’s ‘Millionaire Tax’ Would Hit Small Businesses, Critics Say)
This bill also came at a critical time while Wisconsinites are facing rising gas prices due to the Iran conflict. The current Wisconsin state tax on gasoline is 30.9 cents, and there are legislative ways to alleviate that tax through a “holiday.” When asked about possible legislation to enact this “holiday,” Governor Evers refused to support it. Evers stated, “where we are now is a good place.”
The Marquette Law poll said that 73% of voters found their Senators vote important when it comes to their vote for Governor and Legislature. Fewer than 20% of voters thought Democratic gubernatorial candidates and Republican candidate Tiffany were right to oppose the bill. While 65% said evers was right to support it.
