Gov. Evers Takes Action on Bipartisan Bill to Retain Key Area Employer in South Central Wisconsin, Protect Nearly 2,000 Local Jobs

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today signed Senate Bill (SB) 24, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 6, to allow the creation of a new Tax Increment District (TID) in the city of Middleton and support critical economic development in the area. Based on similar legislation passed by the Wisconsin State Legislature and signed by Gov. Evers in 2024, SB 24 received resounding bipartisan support from area lawmakers after the city communicated needs for exemptions to state rule on the TID process to ensure a leading regional employer, Thermo Fisher Scientific, could remain competitive and continue to support 1,800 jobs in the community.

“Wisconsin is world-renowned for our booming bio-health industry, and I am pleased that, as a state, we could take swift, bipartisan action to support a major employer like Thermo Fisher Scientific and continue to provide family-supporting jobs here in Wisconsin,” said Gov. Evers. “Now more than ever, our work together to ensure companies and communities can remain competitive is critically important for Wisconsin’s continued success, and I’m glad to be signing this bill into law today.”

Last June, Gov. Evers joined company officials from Thermo Fisher Scientific to celebrate the company’s $58 million expansion of its state-of-the-art, good manufacturing practices lab in Middleton, which is expected to add approximately 350 scientists and laboratory support professionals to the almost 2,300 employees working across the company’s research campus in the region. The Evers Administration, through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, is supporting the project by authorizing up to $2.15 million in performance-based business development tax credits through September 2026. The actual amount of tax credits Thermo Fisher Scientific will receive is contingent upon the number of jobs created and the amount of capital investment during that period. 2025 Wisconsin Act 6 ensures that continued expansion can continue, protecting not only existing jobs at the facility, but future development and the resulting job creation as well.

“Working with local leaders and with bipartisan support in the Legislature we were able to preserve 1,800 jobs and boost the economy in our community and state,” said Senate Democratic Leader Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton). “This is an example of what we can do when we work together. I am very pleased to see this bill become law.”

“In recent years, Middleton has proven to be responsible stewards in creating successful community development through tax incremental financing. They have set the model standard for how the strategy can be used effectively, generating millions in value through their prudent investment,” said State Rep. Alex Joers (D-Middleton). “We were fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the city of Middleton leadership on this legislation to provide them with the tools needed to remain competitive. I am appreciative of their leadership and am grateful to have had this chance to support our local officials.”

Senate Bill 24, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 6:

• Creates an exception to the 12 percent of equalized value limitation for the creation of TID Number 6 in the city of Middleton if the TID is created before June 1, 2025; and
• Disallows the lifespan extension for housing improvements otherwise available to TIDs for TID Number 6.

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.