Wisconsin Senate Leader Says He's Being Left Out of Tax Relief Talks

Republican leaders in the state legislature are at odds over a potential tax relief package.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Wisconsin Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu claims he has been excluded from discussions between Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Governor Tony Evers about a potential tax relief package. LeMahieu says the talks seem like a "political stunt" and that he should be included in the process since any legislation would need to pass both chambers. Vos acknowledges they are talking but says LeMahieu is "always welcome" to be involved.

Why it matters

The disagreement between the Republican leaders highlights the political tensions in the state legislature as they try to reach a deal on tax relief before the end of the legislative session. The outcome could have significant impacts on Wisconsin residents' property tax bills.

The details

The Assembly is expected to wrap up its work this month, while the Senate plans to meet again in March and potentially April. Senate Republicans have proposed $1,000 income tax rebates for married filers and $500 for single people, but Vos says he would rather focus on lowering property taxes. Evers has suggested he may be open to repealing a veto to increase school funding if Republicans agree, which could help address the spike in property tax bills.

  • The Assembly is expected to conclude its work this month.
  • The Senate will meet again in March, and potentially in April if necessary.

The players

Devin LeMahieu

The Republican Senate Majority Leader from Oostburg, Wisconsin.

Robin Vos

The Republican Assembly Speaker.

Tony Evers

The Democratic Governor of Wisconsin.

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What they’re saying

“I have no idea what's going on. It's unfortunate. But if the speaker and governor want to get something done and not just score political points or pressure the Senate into whatever they want to do, maybe they should include one house that needs to be part of the process.”

— Devin LeMahieu, Senate Majority Leader (WISN-TV)

“Well, everybody has the right to their own opinion. Sen. LeMahieu is always welcome.”

— Robin Vos, Assembly Speaker (thenorthwestern.com)

“yesterday our office suggested that Republican leaders should try talking to each other since they're clearly not on the same page.”

— Britt Cudaback, Spokeswoman for Governor Evers (X)

What’s next

Republican lawmakers in both the Assembly and Senate plan to caucus together on Thursday to try to come up with a unified tax relief proposal to bring to Governor Evers for negotiation.

The takeaway

The disagreement between the Republican legislative leaders highlights the political challenges they face in trying to reach a compromise on tax relief before the end of the session. Their inability to get on the same page could delay or derail efforts to provide property tax relief to Wisconsin residents.