While it remains unclear what the 2021-23 biennial budget will entail, any chance of coronavirus-related legislation passing before the end of this year is unlikely, as incoming Senate Majority Leader
What's more, state fiscal experts note that — despite relatively strong state revenues heading into the upcoming budget session — lawmakers should anticipate a very different economy moving forward.
"The way we do business has changed dramatically over the last six or eight months — how we shop, how we work, whether we pay the rent or not. It's just a totally different thing that's happened very suddenly in this country, certainly in this state,"
After setting a single-day record of 107 COVID-19-related deaths Tuesday,
Evers said the State of the State address, which is scheduled for
Evers also announced he plans to deliver online his
"I have spent the better part of the last year encouraging Wisconsinites to stay home as often as possible, practice social distancing, and limit interactions and gatherings with people outside of their immediate households," Evers said in a statement, adding, "I believe elected leaders must lead by example."
In the next legislative session, Evers said he hoped lawmakers would continue "building on the down payment" made last session on access to health care, school funding and investments in roads and bridges.
"We must also acknowledge and expect, however, that like so many things this past year, this legislative session might look differently than it has before ... I look forward to working together and having a productive legislative session in the new year," Evers said.
Surplus proposal
It's still possible the Assembly could convene this month on COVID-19 legislation. But LeMahieu, who takes over as
Instead, LeMaheiu has proposed using some of the state's surplus medical assistance funds for any immediate health and safety needs brought on by COVID-19. That surplus is currently $120 million and is projected to grow to $269 million by July, LeMahieu said.
On Tuesday, Assembly Speaker
Evers has repeatedly said he would prefer schools make their own determination on whether to offer in-person instruction while the pandemic persists.
Revenue update
Also Wednesday, Revenue Secretary
A level of economic bounce-back is anticipated as the nation begins to recover from the pandemic, but Lang said he anticipates lasting impacts on the state's economy, such as boosted online retail sales.
"I do think that we're in a different economy going forward, based upon just looking at how people buy online — it's amazing," Lang said. "I don't see that really dropping off, but it's made an impact for us and I think it's helped to some extent in how we're doing in the sales tax area."
The fiscal bureau in September reported state tax collections appeared up 1.1% from the previous year. That's about $112.6 million, or only 0.6%, less than projected in January, according to DOR. The state's rainy day fund, to be tapped in times of recession or fiscal emergency, is projected to reach about $760 million.
The state
Lang said he anticipates updated tax collection data and forecasts by late January. Those figures will be used by Evers as he begins to craft his 2021-23 biennial budget recommendations.
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