Wisconsin State Representative Rob Swearingen

06/01/2026

This legislative session, Republicans in the Wisconsin Legislature advanced several tax relief measures focused on lowering the tax burden on working families, retirees, and homeowners across the state.

Among the proposals passed by the Legislature were measures to eliminate state income taxes on overtime pay and tips. AB 38 would exempt up to $25,000 in tips from state income taxes, while AB 461 would allow workers to deduct qualified overtime pay from state income taxes. Both bills were vetoed by Governor Tony Evers.

Lawmakers also passed AB 391, which would have eliminated Governor Evers’ controversial 400-year veto related to annual per-pupil school funding increases. That bill was also vetoed.

The state budget included approximately $1.5 billion in overall tax relief. One major provision creates a retirement income exclusion beginning at age 67, allowing the first $24,000 of retirement income for single filers and $48,000 for joint filers to be exempt from state income taxes.

The budget also expanded Wisconsin’s second income tax bracket, allowing more income to be taxed at the lower 4.40 percent rate. Additional tax relief measures included tripling the adoption expense deduction from $5,000 to $15,000 and expanding the sales tax exemption on residential electricity and natural gas.

These measures focused on providing tax relief to Wisconsin workers, retirees, and families while reducing the overall tax burden across the state.

05/31/2026

During the legislative session, Republicans in the Wisconsin Legislature advanced several proposed constitutional amendments focused on election integrity, religious freedom, government accountability, and legislative oversight. Constitutional amendments must pass two consecutive legislative sessions before being presented to Wisconsin voters on a statewide ballot.

One of the measures approved by voters was AJR 1, which codifies Wisconsin’s voter photo identification requirement into the state constitution. The amendment was approved statewide with approximately 60 percent voting in favor and 40 percent opposed.

Lawmakers also advanced several constitutional amendments that are expected to appear on the November ballot following second consideration by the Legislature. These include AJR 10, which would prohibit state or local governments from closing or forbidding gatherings in places of worship during a state of emergency.

Another proposal, AJR 102, would prohibit government entities from discriminating against or giving preferential treatment based on race, s*x, color, ethnicity, or national origin in areas such as public employment, education, contracting, and administration.

The Legislature also approved AJR 127, which would restrict a governor’s ability to use the partial veto to create or increase taxes or fees, and AJR 133, which would allow the Legislature to suspend administrative rules by a majority vote of both legislative houses.

These proposed amendments focused on placing additional protections and limitations directly into the Wisconsin Constitution while expanding the role of voters in deciding major policy questions facing the state.

05/30/2026

This legislative session, Assembly Republicans advanced a number of reforms focused on government accountability, public safety, parental rights, and responsible budgeting. While several measures were signed into law, others were vetoed by Governor Tony Evers after passing the Legislature.

Among the bills approved by the Legislature were measures limiting the types of flags flown on government buildings to official government flags, protecting visitation rights for long-term care residents and hospital patients during communicable disease outbreaks, and establishing a maximum judicial service age of 70 years.

Other Republican-backed proposals vetoed by the Governor included requiring most state employees to work in-office at least 80 percent of the time, prohibiting schools from changing a student’s name or pronouns without parental consent, restricting taxpayer-funded health care coverage for undocumented immigrants, protecting against forced organ harvesting in transplant procedures, and strengthening cybersecurity protections related to foreign adversary-owned applications such as TikTok.

Republicans also focused heavily on the state budget process by reducing government growth and limiting long-term borrowing. The Legislature’s budget eliminated 303 state positions compared to the current base budget, maintained the UW System employee position cap, and lowered bonding levels to less than half of what Governor Evers originally proposed.

In addition, Republicans removed several proposals from the Governor’s budget, including billions in proposed tax increases, repeal of right-to-work laws, full Medicaid expansion, new gun control measures, climate initiatives, changes to voting laws, and proposals related to undocumented individuals receiving tuition exemptions or identification cards.

These reforms focused on limiting government expansion, strengthening accountability, protecting taxpayers, and advancing conservative priorities throughout the legislative session.

05/29/2026

https://mailchi.mp/legis/district-dialogue-18259375
Beginning June 1, the District Dialogue will be temporarily paused due to Wisconsin’s “50-piece rule” during the election period. State law prohibits elected officials who are candidates for office from distributing 50 or more substantially similar pieces of publicly funded communication. This requirement is intended to ensure compliance with state ethics laws and help maintain fairness throughout the election process. I want to thank all of you for staying engaged with my dialogue and those who have shared their thoughts, concerns, and priorities with my office.

Click to read this week's edition of the District Dialogue!

05/29/2026

Today marks Wisconsin’s 178th birthday. Following the end of the American Revolutionary War and the establishment of the Wisconsin Territory in 1836, Wisconsin was admitted to the Union on May 29, 1848, as the 30th state. Happy Birthday, Wisconsin!

05/29/2026

Congratulations to Finn Thorsen, the newest Eagle Scout in the Northwoods! It was my pleasure to present Finn a citation from the legislature on behalf of Wisconsin State Senator Mary Felzkowski and myself in honor of his achievement. Finn's ceremony included his parents & all of Scout Troop 660. 🇺🇸🦅

05/25/2026

Good attendance at the Rhinelander High School for the Memorial Day ceremony. The RHS band & show choir did an excellent job as usual!The Northwoods Honor Guard did a traditional 3 volley salute, followed by "Taps" to end the event. 🇺🇸

05/25/2026

Small, somber crowd gathered at Forest Home cemetery today. Looking on as the Northwoods Honor Guard payed proper respects to our servicemen and women that paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. 🇺🇸

05/25/2026

Quiet group assembled at Northland Memorial Park near Rhinelander this morning honoring our fallen. I took the opportunity to visit my grandparents. My grandfather served in the Army Air Corps. 🇺🇸

05/25/2026

Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States of America. Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who answered the call to serve and never returned home.

Their courage, selflessness, and devotion to our country secured the freedoms we enjoy each day. We also remember the families who continue to carry their memory and sacrifice with them.

May we never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.