GOP Lawmakers Slash Critical Services in Budget Vote, Ignoring Wisconsin Voices

MADISON — Just yesterday, in a sweeping and deeply concerning move, the Republican majority on the Joint Finance Committee voted in Executive Session to remove over 600 items from Governor Tony Evers’ Executive Budget—eliminating essential services that support families, schools, and vulnerable Wisconsinites.

This red-lining ignored months of public testimony from residents across the state, including advocates from District 62 who voiced strong support for funding education, child care, food assistance, clean water, and corrections reform. Instead, the GOP prioritized short-term politics over long-term investment in our people.

“These actions reflect a troubling disregard for the real-world struggles of Wisconsin families,” said Representative Angelina Cruz (D-Racine). “These cuts hurt children, working parents, seniors, and even those trying to escape homelessness or human trafficking. The Republican majority has made clear they are out of touch with the needs of our communities.”

Among the eliminated provisions:

• Increased funding for special education and public schools
• Expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit
• Safe drinking water initiatives for schools
• Climate action and homelessness prevention programs
• Legal services for low-income residents and youth care programs

By stripping these priorities, Republicans are shifting the burden onto local governments—driving up property taxes while claiming to support tax relief. Worse still, their rules block any chance to revisit or reinstate these measures during ongoing budget talks.

Despite today’s vote, Democratic legislators remain committed to a budget that serves all Wisconsinites. “I’ve heard my constituents, and we will keep fighting—for equity, for opportunity, and for a government that listens,” Rep. Cruz added.

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.