Vos says surplus talks have 'not gotten super specific' as original deadline passes

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Negotiations between GOP lawmakers and Democratic Gov. Tony Evers over what to do with the state's projected $2.5 billion surplus will likely carry into March.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) told reporters Friday, Feb. 20, the two sides were not particularly close to an agreement.

The discussions have revolved around how to create a package that mixes property tax relief and school funding in a way that satisfies both Evers and Republicans.

"We have talked about issues," Vos said. "I would say we have not gotten super specific."

Can he put that into football terms?

"Well, the ball has been kicked," Vos said. "But we have not started the return, yet."

Thursday was the final scheduled Assembly floor date. While most of the bills were taken up that day, lawmakers came back Friday to get through the rest of their calendar.

Vos said it was very likely the Assembly will now have to come back in a special session to pass a surplus package if and when there's an agreement.

A surplus agreement is the last remaining major hurdle for the Legislature this year, as well as for Vos' political career.

Vos, the longest-serving Assembly speaker in state history, announced Thursday he was retiring.

A spokesperson for Evers did not immediately respond to messages sent Friday. Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) declined to be interviewed about the surplus talks.

A spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) did not respond to a request for an interview about the ongoing talks.

Assembly Majority Leader Tyler August echoed Vos in saying a special session would likely be necessary in that chamber, but he expressed optimism over where talks were headed.

"I think they've laid out their priorities. We've laid our priorities out," August said. "We're hoping to continue those conversations throughout today, and I still there's a good chance we can come together with the Senate and the governor and get something that works for everybody."

The Senate has emphasized any deal should include rebate checks sent directly to taxpayers.

Evers' must-have item is additional funding that goes directly through schools via the state's equalization formula.

The Assembly wants to provide direct property tax relief through the School Levy Tax Credit.

The Senate's final scheduled floor period is set to happen between March 17-19. Vos did not say that was a hard deadline for getting a deal done, but he added lawmakers don't plan to come back in during the summer.

"Sometimes," Vos said. "Having a deadline makes people who don't want to talk to each other realize they have to."