Rep. Joel Kitchens is hopeful many of the ideas included in the 2023-2025 biennial budget avoid the red pen of Governor Tony Evers in the coming days. A $3.5 billion tax cut, a $1 billion increase for public school funding, and a raise for state workers are some of the highlights of the nearly $99 billion, two-year spending plan for the state that passed along party lines Thursday night. Republicans say it is a responsible budget that meets the needs of the state while Democrats believe they could have done more to help its citizens with a $7 billion surplus waiting in the wings. Kitchens says while there were some aspects he wished were addressed in the budget, but adds it is a plan that helps everyone.

Governor Evers has promised to at least partially veto many of the items within the budget, if not the entire document because of some of the provisions. Kitchens says it can be a concern, but he also said the administration and the Legislature have worked together on certain aspects of the budget more than they ever have in the past.

Once signed by the Governor, it will be in place until June 30th, 2025.