Big Wins for Wisconsin Families: Tax Cuts, School Choice, and Retirement Relief Signed into Law

Wisconsin’s 2025-2027 biennial budget is now law, and Republican leaders are touting the spending plan as a major win for taxpayers, parents, and seniors across the state. Assembly Majority Leader Tyler August released a statement following its passage, calling the budget a reflection of conservative values and responsible leadership in the face of a divided government.

“We’ve officially passed a budget that delivers real results for the people of Wisconsin,” August said. “This plan reflects the promises I made when I ran for office: to lower taxes, reduce the size of government, and put families first.”

The budget includes a sweeping $1.5 billion in tax cuts, which August said will bring meaningful relief to hardworking Wisconsinites. In addition, it blocks more than $3.7 billion in tax increases proposed by Governor Tony Evers—a move the Majority Leader called “a clear win for taxpayers.”

“Legislative Republicans held the line to protect your wallet from being used to fund a liberal wish list,” August said, drawing a contrast between GOP priorities and the Governor’s original budget proposal.

Education was another major focus. Building on what August described as “one of our biggest conservative accomplishments in recent years,” the budget expands access to school choice programs to include four-year-old kindergarten. He emphasized that this change gives parents more freedom and flexibility in their child’s early education.

Significant investments were also made in special education, with the budget raising reimbursement rates to historic levels to help public schools cover the cost of high-need services.

Higher education saw a set of accountability measures added as well. The budget requires faculty workload reporting, introduces new performance metrics, and maintains staffing caps across the University of Wisconsin System—part of a broader push by Republicans to improve transparency in state-funded institutions.

One of the most notable provisions for older Wisconsinites is the inclusion of a tax exemption for retirement income. Seniors aged 67 and older will now be able to enjoy tax-free retirement benefits, a policy August says he has worked toward since his early days in public service.

“This was a policy I first worked on more than 20 years ago as an intern,” he said. “To see it become law now as Majority Leader is a full-circle moment.”

The budget also reflects Republican efforts to reduce the size of government and control spending. More than 300 state government positions that have remained unfilled for over 18 months were eliminated, a move August and his colleagues view as a commonsense reform that puts taxpayer dollars to better use.

“This budget shows what strong, conservative leadership can accomplish,” August added. “While Governor Evers pushed for higher taxes and more government, Republicans delivered a responsible, balanced plan that protects taxpayers, upholds our values, and keeps Wisconsin moving forward.”

While Republican lawmakers are celebrating the budget’s passage as a major victory, Wisconsin Democrats have voiced concern over several aspects of the final package. Many Democratic legislators argued the budget missed key opportunities to invest more robustly in public education, healthcare, and infrastructure—areas they say were shortchanged in favor of broad tax cuts.

Some also criticized the expansion of school choice, arguing that it diverts resources away from public schools, particularly in underserved communities. Others took issue with the retirement tax exemption, noting that it disproportionately benefits wealthier seniors while doing little for working families who are still struggling with rising costs.

In higher education, Democratic lawmakers pushed back against what they view as punitive accountability measures for UW faculty, suggesting the focus should be on investment and innovation rather than oversight and restrictions.

Despite these disagreements, the budget passed both chambers and was signed into law following negotiations between the Republican-led Legislature and Governor Evers. As implementation begins, debates are likely to continue over the direction of the state’s fiscal priorities—especially as the 2026 elections approach.

In the meantime, August remains focused on staying connected with his constituents. In a personal note, he shared that his 2025 Spring Survey has been mailed to residents of the 31st Assembly District, with an option to complete it online as well.

And in true Wisconsin fashion, August reflected on a June tradition—celebrating Dairy Month by flipping pancakes with friends to honor the state’s agricultural legacy. “Thank you to every dairy farmer, processor, and worker who makes Wisconsin ‘America’s Dairyland,’” he said. “We’re grateful for all you do.”

With tax relief, education reforms, and senior support now signed into law, Republicans are looking to build on this momentum while Democrats continue to push for more expansive investments in future sessions.

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