Evers’ Budget Plan Sets Up Conflicts With Republican Lawmakers

Many of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ budget priorities that he’s unveiled in recent days are unlikely to make it through the Republican-controlled Legislature, setting the stage for a prolonged fight.

Evers has been previewing major portions of the budget ahead of its release on Thursday.

Republicans have made clear their opposition to Evers’ proposals to expand Medicaid, legalize medical marijuana, freeze enrollment in private voucher schools and scale back a manufacturing tax credit to cut income taxes for the middle class.

Evers also is expected to propose a gas-tax increase on Thursday, a move that has divided Republicans in the past.

The big question for Republicans will be whether Evers will accept a GOP-written budget with some vetoes. If Evers vetoes the entire budget, there could be a longer stalemate.