Since 2019, Gov. Evers’ hand-picked members of the state Public Service Commission have approved increasing utility fees by more than $2 billion, resulting in Wisconsin having one of the highest electricity rates in the Midwest.

Unfortunately, the state Legislature does not have the constitutional authority to involve itself in the PSC’s decision-making process. However, in the 2025-27 state budget, my legislative colleagues and I did what we could do to help lower costs by eliminating the state sales tax on your electricity and natural gas bills.

This exemption, which went into effect last October, is saving ratepayers an estimated $179 million over the biennium.

Speaking of, I would like to take this opportunity to remind you to check your utility bills to make sure the sales tax has been removed. Some residents are reporting that the sales tax is still appearing on their accounts.

You are encouraged to contact your energy company if you find any discrepancies.

Starting with next week’s “Testin’s Throwback Thursday,” we will begin to look at some of the bills I authored this legislative session that have been signed into law.