Wisconsin Governor Evers Vetoes Two Controversial Bills

Evers blocks legislation on tips taxation and ICE cooperation

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:48pm

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An abstract, fragmented painting in shades of blue, green, and orange, conceptually representing the political tensions and clashing policies between the Wisconsin governor and state legislature.The governor's vetoes of bills on tips taxation and immigration enforcement expose the deep political divides in Wisconsin.Madison Today

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has vetoed two bills passed by the state legislature - one that would have prohibited the taxation of tips, and another that would have required state and local law enforcement to cooperate with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The vetoes come amid ongoing debates over workers' rights, immigration enforcement, and the balance of power between state and federal authorities.

Why it matters

Evers' vetoes demonstrate his willingness to buck the Republican-controlled legislature on high-profile issues that have become politically divisive. The tip tax bill was opposed by service industry workers, while the ICE cooperation measure was seen by critics as undermining immigrant communities. These vetoes solidify Evers' reputation as a moderate Democrat willing to take independent stances.

The details

The first bill Evers vetoed would have prohibited state or local governments from imposing any tax, fee, or surcharge on tips received by service industry workers. Supporters argued this would protect workers' income, but opponents said it could reduce overall tax revenue. The second bill would have required state and local law enforcement to cooperate with ICE detainer requests, a policy that immigrant advocates have criticized as eroding trust between police and immigrant communities.

  • Governor Evers issued the vetoes on April 3, 2026.

The players

Tony Evers

The Democratic governor of Wisconsin, known for his willingness to buck his party's legislature on certain issues.

Wisconsin Legislature

The state's Republican-controlled legislative body, which passed the two bills that Evers later vetoed.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement, which the vetoed bill would have required state and local police to cooperate with.

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What they’re saying

“These bills were misguided attempts to insert partisan politics into the everyday lives of Wisconsinites.”

— Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin

What’s next

The Wisconsin Legislature may attempt to override Evers' vetoes, though they would need a two-thirds majority in both chambers to do so.

The takeaway

Governor Evers' vetoes demonstrate his willingness to take independent stances on divisive issues, even when they conflict with the priorities of the Republican-controlled state legislature. These actions reinforce his reputation as a moderate Democrat willing to buck party lines.