Fond Du Lac Times

Representative William Penterman (R–Hustisford) has voted in favor of the 2025-27 Wisconsin State Budget, a significant legislative measure that shapes state spending and policy for the next two years.

“Today, I voted for a budget that includes many strong, pro-growth policies—and importantly, halts many bad ones,” said Rep. Penterman. “The 2025-27 budget does not raise property taxes and provides nearly $1.5 billion in tax relief for hardworking Wisconsinites.”

Key elements of the budget include new income tax exclusions on retirement income, an expansion of the second income tax bracket threshold to $50,480 for single or head-of-household filers and $67,300 for married-joint filers, and an increase in the maximum adoption expense deduction from $5,000 to $15,000.

“This budget puts more money back in the hands of retirees, working families, and parents. It is a win for taxpayers,” Rep. Penterman added.

Infrastructure investment remains a focus with continued funding for rural road improvements through the Agricultural Road Improvement Program (ARIP), reauthorized at $150 million. “This program provides direct aid to rural communities to upgrade roads serving agricultural producers—including farmers, dairy processors, and loggers. This widely successful program is being re-authorized and I am look forward to the rural communities of Dodge and Jefferson counties being able to take advantage of these important funds,” said Penterman.

Public safety and education are also addressed with funding allocated for 50 new assistant district attorney positions and 12 new public defenders. Special education funding will see increases projected to raise proration rates over the next two years. Expanded high-cost special education aid is expected to further boost proration rates during this period.

“As a member of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s Board of Curators, I’m especially proud of the investments we’ve made in the new Wisconsin History Center,” Rep. Penterman said “This budget ensures the History Center is ready to serve all Wisconsinites the day it opens. This budget also includes funding for improvements to the Wisconsin War Memorial, honoring the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

The approved budget maintains a rainy day fund near $2 billion while spending about $8 billion less than Governor Evers’ original proposal.

Several proposals by Governor Evers were rejected in this version of the budget:

No free driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants

No Medicaid expansion for able-bodied adults

No income tax increases

No property tax increases

No repeal of Act 10 or other conservative reforms

“The 2025-2027 budget is a win for taxpayers, students, farmers, veterans, retirees, parents, and families across Wisconsin,” Rep. Penterman concluded. “It is a budget that builds a stronger Wisconsin.”

The legislation now awaits final approval from Governor Evers.

Penterman was elected as a Republican representative in 2025 to serve Wisconsin's 38th House district after succeeding Barbara Dittrich.