Senator Habush Sinykin On the Passage of the 2025-27 State Budget

MADISON, WI – Today, the Wisconsin State Senate passed Senate Bill 45, the Wisconsin State Budget, on a vote of 19–14. Senator Habush Sinykin and Senate Democrats offered more than two dozen amendments to improve the budget, from Knowles-Nelson Stewardship reauthorization to tax cuts to veterans benefits to increased school funding, but were blocked by the Republican Majority. Ultimately, this budget did not reflect the commitments Senator Habush Sinykin made to her constituents in the 8th Senate District and she voted against passage.

Senator Habush Sinykin shares her thoughts below:

“I am grateful for the work of Governor Evers, Leader Hesselbein, and Senate Democrats to make significant improvements to this compromise budget. This budget is the consequence of Wisconsin’s new fairer maps—legislators finding ways to work together to move forward. It reflects both bipartisanship and progress, but ultimately, it fell short of the promises I made to the 8th Senate District.

“There are good things in this budget—special education funding increased to 45% in the second year of the biennium, a $330 million investment in our state’s child care industry, $250 million for UW, significant investments in buildings for our universities–including Health Sciences at UW-Milwaukee, a historic investment of $732 million for the clean water fund and safe drinking water loans addressing issues like lead service line replacement, additional funding for Milwaukee County public safety efforts, including maintaining the 12.5 Assistant District Attorney positions funded by expiring federal dollars, and $4 million for remediation of the Amcast Superfund site in Cedarburg.

“While this budget does make meaningful progress for the people of Wisconsin, there were too many missed opportunities to secure my vote. I had high hopes for this budget, but I ultimately could not vote in favor for the reasons detailed below.

“Wisconsin has long prided itself on our public schools, and in Senate District 8, we have some of the best public schools in the state. It’s one of the main reasons people want to live in our communities. This budget fails to include any increase in general school aid, and is a missed opportunity considering our state’s historic budget surplus. We are neglecting our responsibility to fund our schools, and shifting that responsibility onto property taxpayers. I voted in favor of an amendment to provide tax relief for retirees, working families, and property taxpayers. While people will see a modest income tax cut, many people in District 8 and across the state will see a net increase in taxes due to property taxes as a consequence of this budget.

“While this budget makes significant progress on special education reimbursement, Wisconsin has the resources to do better. Yet, Republicans refused to make those responsible, future-focused investments.

“As a staunch environmental advocate, I had high hopes to see this budget prioritize Wisconsin’s conservation, outdoor traditions, and precious natural resources. Senate Democrats and I advocated vigorously for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program to be reauthorized in the budget—even for one more year through 2027. I am deeply disappointed that Republican leaders could not find compromise on this extremely popular program–more than 90% of Wisconsinites support public funds for conservation. In fact it’s the single issue I have heard the most about from constituents in my first six months in office. Republican leaders indicate that they plan to get it done in the fall, and I am committed to finding a bipartisan solution for Stewardship this session.

“I appreciate everyone’s advocacy on these issues and I know that the best aspects of this budget are a direct reflection of your time and effort. In the future, I know we will continue to advocate together for our shared Wisconsin values. When Senate Democrats gain control of this house–we will deliver a budget that is responsive to the will of the people, move Wisconsin forward, and make the meaningful investments needed to help everyone in our state thrive.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.