AFP-Wisconsin Slams Gov. Evers’ Veto of Red Tape Reset Package

Madison, WI — Americans for Prosperity–Wisconsin (AFP–WI) blasted Gov. Tony Evers Friday for vetoing the commonsense Red Tape Reset package, aimed at cutting burdensome regulations and restoring accountability in Wisconsin’s rulemaking process. 

Wisconsin remains one of the most heavily regulated states in the Midwest, with more than 165,000 regulatory restrictions on the books. These excessive rules drive up costs on everyday necessities like groceries, housing, and energy, making it harder for families and small businesses to get ahead. 

The Red Tape Reset package would have modernized Wisconsin’s regulatory system by requiring regular review of outdated rules, increasing transparency, and ensuring agencies are accountable for the cost of new regulations. 

AFP-WI Legislative Director Jerry Ponio issued the following statement: 

“It’s no surprise that a governor who used his executive power to raise property taxes for 400 years would double down and protect the unchecked authority of his administration. 

“By vetoing these commonsense proposals, Gov. Evers chose to protect bloated, outdated regulations instead of delivering relief for Wisconsin families and job creators. At a time when other states are working to strengthen their economic competitiveness and attract investment, Wisconsin is moving in the opposite direction, losing ground and falling short of its potential to be a national economic leader.” 

Reforms in the Red Tape Reset Package: 

• Senate Bill 275 – Strengthened Scope Statements: Limit agencies to one rule per scope statement, stopping multiple rules from being hidden in a single proposal. 

• Senate Bill 276 – Fee Shifting for Unlawful Rules: Allow citizens to recover legal fees when they successfully challenge unlawful rules. 

• Senate Bill 277 – Seven-Year Sunset of Administrative Rules: Require every rule to be reviewed at least every 7 years or automatically expires.  

• Senate Bill 289 – Regulatory Budgeting: Offset new rules by eliminating outdated, costly regulations to prevent endless growth.