The state Senate released its calendar for the last session of 2016 and Assembly Bill 739, the centerpiece of Gov. Scott Walker’s college affordability package, did not make the cut.
The bill creates an individual income tax deduction for student loan interest above $2,500. Under current federal law, an individual income tax deduction exists, but the $2,500 deduction is the limit for student loan interest, according to this bill.
Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, said in a WKOW article the bill was likely to be discluded from the calendar because it would cost $5.4 million.
"I think we'd love to do all of them, but that one has a higher price tag and because of that I think it may not get through the process," Fitzgerald said in the article.
Fitzgerald also said in the article senators want to make sure that they “don't spend [them]selves into a position” where they need to revisit their “bottom line.”
Although AB 739 did not make the calendar, Fitzgerald said four other bills made it through that are also part of Walker’s college affordability package.
Walker spokesperson Laurel Patrick said the governor “looks forward to continuing to work with members of the Senate to pass legislation that will help Wisconsin students and working families to afford a great college education.”
The state Senate will have what is likely its last floor session of the year Tuesday.
