Wisconsin Building Trade Council Applauds Gov. Evers for Signing Budget

The bipartisan budget is completed on time and focuses on middle-class relief

Madison, Wisconsin (July 9, 2021) – The Wisconsin Building Trades Council (WBTC) applauds Gov. Tony Evers for signing the bipartisan state budget and upholding his promise to provide relief to the middle class.

Gov. Evers, a Democrat, yesterday agreed to sign the Republican-written budget, which calls for a two-year spending plan that includes a $2 billion income tax cut, cuts property taxes for the owner of an average home by $100 next year and ends a University of Wisconsin tuition freeze in place for the last eight years. In addition, Evers announced that schools will be receiving $100 million more in federal funds to use as they wish.

“We thank Gov. Evers for going beyond party lines to deliver on his promise to the middle class and complete the budget on time,” said Jake Castanza, WBTC Executive Director. “This budget process focused on relief for the middle-class and could have easily been derailed into a messy political fight at the expense of the hard-working people of Wisconsin.”

Evers decided against vetoing the GOP tax cut proposal. “I made a promise to the taxpayers, to the state, we would reduce middle class taxes by 10% and we did 15%.”

About WBTC

The Wisconsin Building Trades Council was founded in 2018 to carry on its member unions’ proud traditions, many of which have been working for workers’ rights for over 130 years. Today, the WBTC supports and furthers 17 different unions’ efforts in the building trades with 63 locals and over 40,000 members overall. All are working together to:

  • Pursue the highest level of performance and technical knowledge in their industries
  • Maintain a position as the preferred choice for commercial construction in the State
  • Create a steady stream of work for union member
  • Fight for The Prevailing Wage for union members
  • Ensure on-site compliance with safety and health regulations
  • Foster a workforce diverse in ethnicity and gender
  • Be transparent and accountable in all business relationships
  • Provide apprenticeship and professional growth opportunities for workers
  • Take a leading role in philanthropic and volunteer activities within the community
  • Take a proactive role in supporting pro-worker legislation for building trades unions.

Member Unions

  • Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers District Council of Wisconsin
  • International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers
  • International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers Local 18 And Local 10
  • International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers And Helpers Union 107
  • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
  • International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 200
  • International Union of Elevator Constructors
  • International Union of Operating Engineers Local 139
  • International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 7 & DC 82
  • Ironworkers District Council of North Central States
  • North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters
  • Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ Local 599
  • The Wisconsin Laborers’ District Council
  • The Wisconsin Pipe Trades Association
  • United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, & Allied Workers