Wisconsin Governor Vetoes Historic Tax Cut

December 7, 2023 Last Edit: June 5, 2025

Governor Tony Evers vetoed legislation that would have reduced income taxes.

Wisconsin Governor Vetoes Historic Tax Cut

Governor Tony Evers strongly criticized lawmakers as he vetoed legislation that would have reduced income taxes for thousands of small businesses. The legislation, rejected by Governor Evers, would have reduced the second highest tax rate from 5.3% to 4.4%, and would have provided a tax cut for individuals earning between $27,630 and $304, 170, and also for married couples earning between $36,840 and $405,550. Representative Calvin Callahan (Tomahawk) described the legislation as a “historic work package that lowers barriers to employment and addresses the state’s workforce shortage.” Governor Evers, however, called the legislation “completely unserious, and said Republicans were wholly out of touch with what Wisconsinites are asking for and need.” NFIB is disappointed the Governor rejected a $2 billion tax cut that would have reduced the individual income tax burden for thousands of small business owners. The legislation also would have expanded the state child and dependent care tax credit, overhauled licensing of trade occupations, created an apprentice grant program for technical and tribal college students, and reformed several key requirements of the unemployment insurance program including some changes to work search requirements and drug testing. The legislation vetoed by the Governor did not include his plan to create a paid family and medical leave program. NFIB is grateful legislators deleted the paid leave program, which is strongly opposed by the state’s small business owners.

Topics:

Taxes

State:

Wisconsin

Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Learn More