Gov. Tony Evers today called for using $1.7 billion of the state’s projected surplus to provide relief to Wisconsinites.

The governor’s call comes after a new projection that the state will finish the 2021-23 biennium with a $3.8 billion surplus. That is $2.8 billion more than was expected just a few months ago.

The governor’s call for spending much of the projected surplus would need legislative approval. Republican  legislative leaders have not yet commented on Evers’ proposal. Earlier this week, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) said he prefers to wait until next session to decide how to use the surplus money.  Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) has said the funds will be used for a “massive tax cut.”

The governor’s plan does not appear to provide direct financial relief to long-term care facilities. The plan includes:

• * $815.6 million for state income tax rebates for Wisconsin residents: rebates would be $150 per person, meaning a family of four would receive $600.
• $102.5 million for a Caregiver Tax Credit to cover expenses for a family caregiver to assist a family member.
• $29.3 million for a Child and Independent Care Credit, which would increase the nonrefundable credit match from 50 to 100 percent.
• $611 million into K-12 education
• $111 million into the UW System
• $28 million for the technical college system.

WHCA/WiCAL will continue to engage with the Governor’s office and legislative leaders for the need to prioritize long-term care providers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and as the LTC workforce shortage continues at crisis levels.