Evers urges lawmakers to use surplus to ease inflation after poll reveals majority of voters concerned about rising costs

 

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- With inflation top of mind among voters, Governor Tony Evers again urged lawmakers to use a portion of the state surplus to issue tax cuts after new polling shows a majority of voters are "very concerned" about rising costs.

At a campaign event in West Allis, Gov. Evers stressed using some of Wisconsin's general funds to issue a tax rebate to residents in an effort to help ease inflation costs. Republican lawmakers have already rejected Evers' plan that would tap the $3.8 billion state surplus to pay every Wisconsin resident up to $150.

"I'm looking forward to the next budget to do that, but if the Legislature wants to come in at any time, we can find ways to get money back in the people's pockets, which will help them," Evers said.

Evers first unveiled the plan in January and GOP leaders were quick to oppose it, calling it an election year gimmick to win over voters.

Calling on lawmakers again to act comes as new polling shows 67% of voters are "very concerned" about inflation, according to the latest Marquette University Law School Poll.

Evers is vying for a second term. He faces Republican Tim Michels in the general election.

While on the campaign trail, Michels has shifted his focus from election integrity to the economy and job creation, blaming Evers and President Biden for inflation woes.