Evers defends surplus plan after drawing criticism from Democratic leaders

Gov. Evers took a tour at Meadowview Elementary Wednesday morning as part of his effort to promote a nearly $2 billion spending plan that would draw down most of Wisconsin's surplus. He had strong words for Democrats who accused him of being irresponsible. 

The plan would provide roughly $600 million for schools, going toward increasing special education payments as well as general aid, which lowers the local property tax burden.  

CBS 58

There would also be more than $850 million worth of rebate checks going out to taxpayers. That's on top of eliminating the state income tax on tips and overtime wages. 

Several high-profile Democrats, including top Dems in the Senate and Assembly as well as most of the Democrats running to replace Evers this fall, have criticized the plan. They say it's either irresponsible to not put more of that money toward schools or wait to see if Democrats will win a majority in the Legislature this fall. 

A clearly frustrated Evers responded Wednesday, defending the compromise he reached with Republicans who currently control the Legislature. 

"For people in your own party calling this 'irresponsible' and a 'payday loan,' how do you take that?" CBS 58's A.J. Bayatpour asked.

"That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard," Gov. Evers said. "You know, think about that. There are still several billion dollars left, and the trajectory of money coming into the state of Wisconsin is going up. So, the idea that somehow this is a loan? We don't loan money to our schools, we provide money because that's our job, and it's disappointing. We're gonna get this done. We're gonna get this done today."

Evers says he's confident there are enough "yes" votes to pass the deal Wednesday. However, when asked specifically about the Senate, where at least one Democrat will need to vote "yes," Evers simply said he believes that vote is there, but added, "We'll see at the end of the day."