The official 2025-27 biennial budget process began on February 18 when the Governor presented his proposal to the Legislature. The budget bill, introduced as Senate Bill 45/Assembly Bill 50, is now under review by the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance.
For those unfamiliar with the state budget process, the Joint Committee on Finance plays a key role in shaping the final budget before it returns to the Governor for approval. Over the next several months, the committee will hold public hearings, receive briefings from state agencies and budget staff, and vote on individual components of the budget. Once its work is complete, the committee introduces a substitute amendment that replaces the original bill. The full Legislature then votes on the measure before sending it to the Governor, who may sign it, veto it in part using the line-item veto, or veto it in full.
While the state budget is typically signed by June 30 to align with the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, Wisconsin law allows state agencies to continue operating at current funding levels if the budget is not enacted on time. Unlike the federal government, a delay in passing the budget does not result in a government shutdown.
Proposed budget items affecting the Wisconsin Court System
The Governor’s budget proposal includes several provisions related to the Wisconsin Court System:
- Creation of a sworn law enforcement agency with the Office of the Supreme Court Marshal
- Additional circuit court payment support position
- Additional court interpreter program support position
- Increased circuit court support payments to counties accompanied by transfer of the Treatment Alternatives and Diversion (TAD) program from the Department of Justice to Courts
- Additional circuit court branches in Brown County
Proposed wage adjustments
The proposal also includes funding for general wage adjustments of 5% on July 1, 2025, and 4% on July 1, 2026. While funding for these adjustments is part of the budget proposal, the specific structure of the increases will be outlined in the 2025-27 Compensation Plan, which is expected to be released in the coming weeks.
In the judicial branch, elected officials are covered under the general state compensation plan, while all other court staff fall under the judicial branch’s separate compensation structure. The final wage adjustments will depend on legislative action on both the budget and the compensation plan.
Next steps in the budget process
It remains too early to determine which provisions will be included in the final budget. Legislative leaders have indicated they plan to craft their own version of the budget rather than advancing the Governor’s proposal as written. However, the Governor’s proposal often serves as the starting point for legislative discussions.
As the budget process continues, court system representatives will work with legislators to provide information and updates. Court staff will be kept informed of major developments. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to Legislative Liaison Adam Plotkin.
Third Branch eNews is an online monthly newsletter of the Director of State Courts Office. If you are interested in contributing an article about your department’s programs or accomplishments, contact your department head. Information about judicial retirements and judicial obituaries may be submitted to: Sara.Foster@wicourts.gov