Wisconsin committee passes budget that cuts taxes

MADISON, Wis. — The state budget is on its way to the state Assembly for debate.

The plan passed by the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee on Wednesday morning after an all-night session includes a $650 million income tax cut, expands private school vouchers statewide and rejects a federal Medicaid expansion.

Republicans passed the budget on a 12-4 party line vote.

It will be taken up first by the Republican-controlled Assembly in two weeks, then go to the Senate.

Republican Senate and Assembly leaders say they don’t believe any changes will be made to the plan before it’s passed.

Gov. Scott Walker has praised major parts of the plan, but he holds the power to veto individual items once it clears the Legislature.