Exciting news! Last week, the legislature passed the 2023–25 state budget after months of extensive discussion on how we can advance Wisconsin while creating new opportunities and growth for all Wisconsinites. Over the past few months, the Joint Committee on Finance has chatted with thousands of individuals, in person and via email, with the main intent being to hear what you, the citizens of Wisconsin, felt were the top priorities to focus on. In addition, Assembly Republicans held over 150 local listening sessions to hear directly from their constituents.
This budget, crafted by Republicans, is for all of Wisconsin, regardless of where you live, and reflects the priorities that matter most, including substantial investments in key programs and the largest tax cut in our state history. The budget emphasized the importance of funding important priorities, such as high-quality education for all students, investing in our roads, and supporting the accessibility of healthcare, while delivering meaningful tax relief to all residents and businesses.
With that being said, although the budget passed in the legislature, we have already seen changes since it landed on the governor’s desk. Republicans originally approved over $3.5 billion in income tax relief, but due to the governor’s powerful veto authority, our state will now only see $174.6 million in tax cuts. Legislative Republicans cut taxes for the middle class. If you are married, filing jointly, and making $38,000+, or $27,000+ and single, the legislature cuts your income taxes by 20%. Unfortunately, the governor thinks you are super rich and vetoed that tax cut, so you will still be paying higher taxes. Evers also used his veto to increase your property taxes every year for the next 402 years by usurping the legislature’s Constitutional power of the purse.
On this week of July 4th, I expect King George of England would have been proud of Evers’ taxation without representation.
Over the next couple months, I’ll be breaking down the budget categorically and diving into what some of these changes will mean for you and the state of Wisconsin. To listen to the first part of my speech, click on the photo above or press here.
In-District Events
The Latino-American Beach Festival will be on July 14th and 15th from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. both days at Neshotah Beach in Two Rivers.
Saturday, July 15th, will be a Carnival at the Country Visions Country Store (1221 Grant St., De Pere) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The De Pere Police Department will be raising money for a new K9, so make sure you visit them at the dunk tank!
The Greenleaf Fireman’s Picnic will be Saturday, July 15th, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 1588 Fair Road (just north of Greenleaf on STH 32-57) with fun activities such as cornhole to participate in and live music from 5-9 p.m.
Saturday, July 15th, there will be fireworks over Harpts Lake (16306 Harpts Lake Rd, Mishicot) along with food trucks, music and inflatables. This event will be from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. with fireworks taking place after dark.
The 44th Annual Two Rivers Fish Derby & Festival will be Saturday, July 22nd, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, July 23rd, from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This event will take place at Walsh Field (2201 Polk St.)  in Two Rivers.
The Two Rivers Volunteer Fire Department (6525 County Road B, Two Rivers) will be hosting a fish boil on Friday, July 28th from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Two Rivers Snowfest Parade will be July 29th at 11:00 a.m. It will start at 7th and Columbus Streets and head north on Columbus concluding at State Highway 310.
Head on down to the library for some friendly competition! Every Tuesday from 6-7:30pm, the Lester Public Library in Two Rivers (1001 Adam St.) hosts a Family Game Night. Games and popcorn are provided.
