Wisconsin lawmakers back $1.8B surplus plan for tax relief and education

Gov. Tony Evers and GOP leaders unveiled an about $1.8 billion plan to spend Wisconsin’s budget surplus on tax relief and education, including $850 million in direct payments, eliminating state income tax on overtime pay and tipped earnings, and boosting K-12 funding by $600 million, while leaving the rainy-day fund intact. The package would mail up to $600 per married couple or $300 per person to roughly 3 million residents by November, but drew criticism from Senate Democrats and gubernatorial candidates who call it expensive; leaders say votes are likely after a special-session path, with the budget committee moving it on Tuesday and full Legislature debate possible as early as Wednesday.