When I asked constituents about their budget priorities in my spring budget survey earlier this year, the message was clear: lower taxes, fix the roads, and make smart investments in our schools and healthcare. I’m happy to report that the state budget signed into law this summer does exactly that, while also holding the line against big government growth.
At the top of the list was tax relief. This budget delivers nearly $1.5 billion in tax cuts, targeted directly to Wisconsin’s hardworking families and seniors. That means hundreds of dollars back in your pocket. Seniors will especially benefit, as more of their retirement income is now exempt from state taxes.
We also eliminated the state sales tax on residential natural gas and electricity. That will have a direct impact on utility bills each month, especially looking ahead to the winter months.
This budget also prioritizes rebuilding our roads the right way. This budget fixes a major funding imbalance that had shortchanged our smaller rural communities, resulting from a cruel line-item veto by the Governor last budget. We restored fairness in General Transportation Aids, ensured an increase in local road aids every year, and provided an additional $100 million for the Local Road Improvement Program. We also expanded the Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP) to include bridges and culverts, which will also deliver targeted road improvement to our rural areas.
And unlike the Governor’s original proposal, we didn’t put these projects on the state’s credit card but used cash on hand to reduce borrowing and protect future taxpayers.
The budget also makes nearly $8 billion in new investments for healthcare with an emphasis on protecting local hospitals and ensuring care for our most vulnerable. We raised reimbursement rates for critical services, supported our aging and disability resource centers, and strengthened the healthcare workforce pipeline so hospitals can stay staffed.
To help lower insurance costs, I voted to increase support for the Wisconsin Healthcare Stability Fund. This keeps our private insurance market competitive and affordable, ensuring families and small businesses in our district have real choices for coverage.
For K-12 schools, we passed the largest investment in special education aids in state history. We also increased state resource for the Office of School Safety, provided grants for mental health support, and directed new funds toward technical education equipment and the Youth Apprenticeship program.
One of my priorities in this budget was to keep our forests healthy and productive. I am proud to have secured funding for the County Forest Administration Grant, the Sustainable Forestry Grant, and the Wildlife Habitat Grant. I know how important the forestry industry is for the 68th District, and I’m glad we were able to prioritize the needs of rural Wisconsin.
And just as importantly, while this budget makes historic investments, it also stops the Governor’s reckless tax-and-spend agenda. We fought to block over $3.7 billion in proposed tax hikes along with $8.8 billion in unnecessary new spending, 1,200 new government positions, and welfare expansions that would have gutted work requirements.
I’m proud to have voted for a budget that reflects the priorities of the 68th District. As your representative, I’ll keep fighting to ensure that northern Wisconsin families are heard loud and clear in Madison.
Rep. Rob Summerfield represents the 68th Assembly District which includes Chippewa, Price, Rusk, and Taylor counties.
Last Update: Oct 02, 2025 10:30 am CDT
