Evers 'open' to tax cuts for retirees, slams GOP attempts to cut DEI

 

MADISON Wis. (CBS 58) -- After multiple failed attempts by lawmakers to find compromise on cutting taxes in Wisconsin, Gov. Tony Evers said he's open to issuing tax relief to retirees -- a proposal Republicans are expected to unveil this month.

Evers said he's willing to considering the proposal floated by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) last month that seeks to eliminate taxes on retirement income.

"I know retirees are an important part of our state so I'm willing to look at it," Evers said during an interview with CBS 58. "But if it turns out to be more of trojan horse around finding ways to give tax cuts to wealthier people -- that's a non-starter."

Vos pitched the idea in hopes of incentivizing seniors to stay in Wisconsin. If approved, the Badger State would join more than a dozen states that don't tax retirement income.

When asked if he'd support just a standalone bill focused on cutting retirement income, Evers didn't answer directly but reiterated it would have to benefit "the largest group of people that pay taxes" and not retirees that are "multi-billionaires."

Republicans previously pass a $3 billion tax cut plan that included excluding the first $150,000 of couple's retirement income from taxes. Evers vetoed the proposal which was part of a broader tax plan that would have reduced taxes by lowering the state's third income bracket from 5.3% to 4.4%.

A portion of the state's projected $4 billion surplus would been used to pay for it.

Evers said in his veto message the cut was too steep and expressed concerns it would take too much of the state's rainy-day fund. He also preferred the funds to go towards other areas, such lowering the cost of childcare and issuing tax relief to the middle class.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Audit

With Republicans ramping up efforts to root out diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in state government, Gov. Evers said he will do everything he can to prevent any cuts.

Last month, Vos warned Republicans are "not done yet," targeting DEI initiatives and announced plans to audit diversity and inclusion practices in state agencies.

Gov. Evers called it a "ridiculous dream" of Vos' to try and "slash and burn" DEI.

Evers did not say how many DEI positions are in his administration, but noted every agency he oversees has some role.

"They [Republicans] may decide we have to do away with it, but if they look closely and it's an honest audit, they'll find we are doing good work," Evers said.

When ask if he's concerned about Republican trying to cut positions or defund them, Evers said, "No, because I'll veto it."

Vos recently reached a deal with the Universities of Wisconsin to freeze the number of positions devoted to DEI and repurpose some of the existing staff. In exchange, lawmakers agree to release pay raises to more than 35,000 UW employees and to fund campus construction projects, including a new engineering building at UW-Madison.