Yesterday, Governor Tony Evers called a September 20, 2023 special session of the Legislature to take up a $1 billion workforce development package, including $365 million to support child care providers.
Appearing at a news conference in Milwaukee, Evers said the plan would use a piece of the state’s projected $4 billion surplus in this biennium after he vetoed the bulk of a GOP income tax reduction in the 2023-25 budget. The plan includes a paid family and medical leave program for private employers, as well as a new investment in higher education.
It is the 13th special session that Governor Evers has called. While he has the power to call a special session, he cannot force the GOP-controlled Legislature to act.
GOP leaders, though, were quick to dismiss Evers’ call, adding their priority for the state’s projected surplus is a tax cut.
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, said the Governor’s move was a “stunt” and the proposal “nothing more than a rehash of Tony Evers’ tax and spend budget.” Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, said Senate Republicans want to address the state’s workforce shortage without growing government.