💰 What’s in the ‘blockbuster’ budget deal

💰 What’s In the ‘Blockbuster’ State Budget Deal?

Gov. Tony Evers announced an unexpected budget deal was reached Monday with GOP lawmakers after months of negotiations to spend much of the state’s $2.5 billion budget surplus on tax relief and education. [Cap Times]

The deal, which Evers called a “blockbuster,” is expected to go before lawmakers for a vote this week. Here’s what’s in the $1.8 billion deal and how it might affect you.

More money for schools: Getting more state school funding has been a priority for Evers, and this deal adds $300 million to the special education fund, raising the state’s reimbursement rate to 50% by next school year. Another $300 million will go to general school aid starting in the 2026-27 school year.

A ‘critical lifeline’: Madison Metropolitan School District Superintendent Joe Gothard called the proposal a “critical lifeline” for Wisconsin public schools, which have been chronically underfunded by the state. “The funding proposal is what our students, families, and communities deserve,” Gothard said in a statement.

Tax refunds by Thanksgiving? Republicans championed the tax relief in the agreement, including $850 million in direct payments to taxpayers. Individuals who filed a tax return in 2024 are eligible for a $300 “inflation stimulus” refund, and married couples who filed jointly can get $600. The checks could arrive before November. [WPR]

More tax relief: Following the lead of the Trump administration, the deal would also eliminate state taxes on cash tips and overtime income, and earmark $50 million in property tax relief for the Wisconsin Technical College System.

Swan song: It’s notable that all three leaders involved in the deal – Evers, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu – are all retiring after this session.

Democrats feel blindsided: The deal has put Evers at odds with some state Democratic leaders. They didn’t like the idea of the outgoing leaders making an agreement to spend down the surplus without their input, especially if Democrats take control of one or both houses of the Legislature in the November elections. [WisPolitics]

🦮 MPD welcomes first therapy dog: A golden retriever named Frost will be the Madison Police Department’s first therapy dog, responding to critical incidents and providing support to MPD staff during stressful times. Frost will work with Officer Brian Vandervest, the department’s first peer support officer.

• May is National Mental Health Month, but any time is a good time to check in on your mental wellbeing and demystify mental illness. On the City Cast Madison podcast today, host Bianca Martin talks to Jamie Mulry of NAMI Dane County about where to find help when you need it and Madison’s deep connections to the mental health advocacy movement. [City of Madison, 🎧City Cast Madison, NAMI Wisconsin]

🇲🇽 DHS still wants to deport Señor Machetes owner: Department of Homeland Security officials say they still want to deport Noel Quintana, who owns Señor Machetes restaurant in Madison, over a 20-year-old conviction that was recently pardoned by Gov. Tony Evers. Quintana, who is a lawful permanent resident of the United States, was detained in February by federal agents over a 2006 drug conviction. He spent 85 days in detention in a federal facility in Indiana. [WPR]

🏫 One City Schools vows to stay open: Kaleem Caire, the CEO of One City Schools, reassured staff and volunteers that the charter school was not in danger of closing. The school has been lobbying lawmakers to increase its public funding, but has gotten a lukewarm response so far. [Cap Times]

🛍️ Street closures for Madison Night Market: The first Madison Night Market is Thursday, and multiple streets will be closed from noon Thursday through 1 a.m. Friday. The 100-600 blocks of State Street are closed, along with the 10 block of West Mifflin Street, the 10 block of North Carroll Street, and the 200-400 blocks of West Gilman Street.

• The John Nolen Drive causeway will also be closed from 11 p.m. Thursday through 5 a.m. Friday for a concrete bridge deck pour. [City of Madison]

🍕True North coming back in September: The True North Food and Music Festival is coming back to Warner Park for its second year Sept. 26. The festival, sponsored by the Madison Mallards and Lola’s, mixes food offerings from Madison’s top restaurants with live music. [News 3]

⬆️ Last Week’s Photo

Those tracks are located outside Arts + Literature Laboratory on Livingston Street!

🎉 Congratulations to Kate H., Jessica G., and Andy A. for being the first three people to guess correctly!

⬇️ This Week’s Photo

Where is this sign located? A few clues:

• It’s on the east side (although there are multiple locations)
• It’s at a place known for sweet treats (not carrots)
• If you get it right, you’ll feel Super Human. If you get it wrong, you’ll feel like an Exhausted Parent. Heaps of Love to you either way!