Construction Business Group Supports Governor Evers’ State Budget Proposal

(MADISON, Wis.) – Construction Business Group (CBG), a leading voice for the Wisconsin construction industry, supports the state budget proposal unveiled this week by Governor Tony Evers. The budget includes many critical construction-focused initiatives, including common sense reforms to help mitigate worker misclassification and wage theft in Wisconsin. The budget also includes critical funding for the I-94 East-West Corridor project, promotes renewable energy investments and prioritizes expanding broadband internet to more rural areas across the state.

Worker misclassification is of vital importance in this budget cycle as each year, $200 million in tax revenue is lost due to worker misclassification and the resulting payroll and tax fraud. Wisconsin is missing out on collecting over $200 million dollars owed to the state annually due to lost personal income taxes, unpaid unemployment insurance taxes, unpaid business taxes and taxpayers covering mandated benefits provided to workers. This $200 million annually would provide valuable resources to the people of Wisconsin as we start to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Capturing back $200 million in taxes for Wisconsin requires proper oversight of businesses operating in Wisconsin, including those in the construction industry. The specific policy goals, which Governor Evers is proposing in his budget, are based on the bi-partisan Worker Misclassification Task Force’s recommendations.

“We are pleased that Governor Evers is taking the necessary steps to ensure fairness in the construction industry and capture the more than $200 million in tax dollars that are lost every year due to tax and payroll fraud,” said Robb Kahl, Executive Director of CBG. “Proper oversight ensures all employers comply with existing state laws, creates a stronger balance sheet for the state and provides dignity and protection for all Wisconsin workers who simply want to be treated fairly and compensated for the work they perform.”

For more information on CBG, visit their website or follow them on social media.