State Senate Passes Republican Special Session Bill on Child Care Support

Wednesday, October 18th, 2023 -- 9:00 AM

(Bob Hague, WRN) State Senate Republicans have passed a special session bill that includes support for families paying for childcare.

Majority Leader Devin Lemahieu of Oostberg said the centerpiece is a tax cut. “A $2 billion tax cut. That tax cuts starts at the incomes of for a single filer of $27,630 dollars.”

An average family with two kids would get a $6,000 tax break. The average tax filer would get a $600 break, although Eau Claire area Democrat Jeff Smith said those on the lower end of the income scale would see far less. “That $27,000 income is going to get a $32 break. $32.”

Lemahieu said it’s a counter to what was proposed by Democratic Governor Tony Evers. “Every time he sees an opportunity where he wants to advance his left wing agenda, grow the size of government, he calls a special session.”

The Republican package includes a $2 billion tax cut. While the average family with two kids would see a $6,000 tax break, Smith said lower income earners would see a lot less. “Enjoy your $32. Which won’t even buy one meal for your family, if you take them out. Maybe it might even give you half a tank of gas.”

Assembly Republicans have their own workforce and child care proposals, so it’s not clear what will get to Governor Tony Evers.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.