MADISON, WI -– On Wednesday the State Senate voted on Special Session Senate Bill 1 to return surplus funds back to taxpayers. Senator Romaine Quinn (R-Birchwood) issued the following statement after all Senate Democrats refused to vote for the bipartisan plan:
“All session long Senate Democrats talked about the need for bipartisanship. In fact, at the beginning of the session, the Senate Minority Leader lectured Republicans to ‘put partisanship aside and do what is best for our state.’ But when given an opportunity to do just that, they refused to support a bipartisan bill. This is disingenuous Madison politics at its worst. More importantly, they failed Wisconsin working families.
"While not a perfect proposal, the bill would have offered immediate relief to Wisconsin families through a refund check, property tax relief, and the permanent elimination of taxes on tips and overtime. The legislation would also have invested more money for special needs students. Now the money will just sit in Madison for another year. When Senate Democrats say they care about those issues, ask them about this vote.
See also: JFC Unanimously Approves Quinn Motion to Open Brule Fish Hatchery
"Wisconsin currently has a $2.5 billion surplus. Remember that years of responsible budgeting by Republicans has put our state in a sound fiscal position to create surpluses. The surplus money belongs to the taxpayers and it should be returned to them. I look forward to working with a new governor next session to prioritize meaningful and permanent tax relief.”
Last Update: May 14, 2026 4:02 pm CDT
