Both state representatives for Vernon County vote yes on state budget signed by Governor Evers

July 3, 2025

VERNON COUNTY, Wis. – Both State Representative Tara Johnson (D-Town of Shelby) and State Senator Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska) released written statements explaining why they voted yes on a two-year state budget that was ultimately signed by Governor Evers in the early morning hours of Thursday, July 3. While both representatives said there were numerous items in the budget they did not agree with, in the end voting yes was better than voting against it.

“Let me be clear, this is not the budget that I would have written, and it misses the mark in key areas, like public education,” said Pfaff. “While the budget does make a historic investment in the state’s special education reimbursement rate, we could and should be doing more for our schools, kids, and teachers.”

Pfaff said the fact that money for a new science facility at UW-LaCrosse was in the budget was another deciding factor for him.

“While this budget is far from perfect, it’s considerably better for our state than the budget that the majority party was considering just weeks ago, or no budget at all,” said Pfaff. “After years of delay because of partisan politics, the Prairie Springs Science Center will finally get done. This is a big deal for the La Crosse community and economy, as well as Wisconsin’s ongoing workforce needs.

Prairie Springs Science Center: $194 million for the completion of the Prairie Springs Science Center at UW-La Crosse and the demolition of outdated Crowley Hall, enhancing STEM education and workforce development by providing modern instructional labs and research facilities.

Other items in the budget that got Pfaff to vote yes:

Targeted Income Tax Relief: Reduce income taxes in Wisconsin by over $600 million annually. Most of the benefits, averaging $180 per filer, will go to 1.6 million working and middle-class taxpayers, with 82% of the relief going to those earning under $200,000.

Child Care: $330 million investment in child care, including direct payments for child care providers, a new “Get Kids Ready” initiative, and increased rates for the Wisconsin Shares Program.

Special Education Reimbursement Increase: Provide the largest increase in special education aid for K-12 schools ever in state history, increasing the rate to 42 percent in the first year of the biennium and 45 percent in the second year of the biennium.

ARIP: Invest $150 million in the Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP) to repair and upgrade rural roads, supporting farmers, producers, and the agricultural and forestry industries. Of that total, $30 million is dedicated to fixing deteriorating bridges and culverts.

Energy Sales Tax Relief: Eliminate the sales tax on household utility bills to reduce energy costs, saving Wisconsin households more than $178 million over the biennium.

State Representative Johnson echoed Pfaff’s feelings that the budget was not what she had hoped for, but it was the best deal they were going to get and contained enough good items to get her vote.

“While this is not the budget I hoped for, it represents real progress for the people of Wisconsin,” said Johnson. “We are bolstering our healthcare system, investing in our rural communities, and providing tax relief for hardworking Wisconsinites. My yes vote is a vote for a budget that delivers meaningful results for my constituents.”

Among the highlights:

• $1.1 billion investment in Wisconsin hospitals
• Continued funding for the current Medicaid program
• Funding to prevent long-term care facility cuts and closures
• $194 million to complete the construction of the Prairie Springs Science Center at UW-La Crosse 
• $150 million in support for the Agricultural Roads Improvement Program to repair our rural roads
• Income tax cuts for 1.6 million Wisconsinites
• Eliminating retirement income taxes for many retirees

“This budget is proof that when we focus on solutions, we can deliver for the people of Wisconsin from both sides of the aisle,” said Johnson. “While no budget is perfect, this agreement shows what’s possible when we work together.”

Rep. Johnson also emphasized that while the budget signifies a major step forward, the work is far from over.

“This is not the finish line — it’s a good start,” she Johnson. “I’ll keep fighting to ensure these funds are used effectively, and that we continue building on this progress to improve the lives of everyone in the 96th District.”