As I See It
Optimism for Wisconsin tax cuts?
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again? That seems to be the philosophy for Republicans in the Wisconsin Legislature as they push a tax cut plan for a third time. Governor Tony Evers vetoed each of the other two plans, and another veto seems imminent. But they are pushing their plan again, even though it is much like the last plan Evers vetoed. Like the previous plans, it largely favors the state’s highest earners. Under previous proposals, the wealthiest would get a windfall, while the average Wisconsin taxpayer would save a measly $3 a month. So if it is clear the Governor won’t approve tax cuts that benefit the wealthy, then why try again? Part of this is political gamesmanship. If Evers vetoes the plan, he can claim he wants a new tax code that better benefits the middle class. Republicans can claim they pushed for tax cuts, but the Governor stood in their way. The fate of this latest plan isn’t clear, but despite the stalemate there is reason for optimism. It is clear both the Democrat Governor and Republican Legislature want to use the state’s $7 billion surplus to provide tax relief. The devil is in the details. With precious time remaining in this legislative session, the two parties should start with their shared goals, and work together to come up with a plan both sides can stomach. Otherwise that surplus will just get bigger, while our bank accounts won’t.
The Dude
January 24, 2024 at 9:10 am
Scott, the $7 billion surplus is now approximately half as was announced on Lacrosse talk PM the other night by Rick and his guest unless that was not a valid broadcast. This was divvied up through out the state in the guise of shared revenue. My understanding from this mornings reporting on WIZM is the latest tax cut proposal will extend to families making up to somewhere around $150,000 which certainly helps my household. The last couple of Lacrosse talk PM shows there has been talk of affordable homes, child care, and cost of living around Lacrosse. The tax cuts vetoed in November would have delivered $2 billion in cuts by expanding the tax exemption on retirement income, creating a child care tax credit and cutting income taxes. This would definitely help us in Lacrosse. I do think that conflating abortion and tax cuts is the incorrect thing to do. Lets keep these issues of reproductive care and tax relief separate and move the state forward and provide relief for the average citizen. That being said, business owners also need incentive to bring opportunities for growth and new development to stay in Wisconsin and lower taxes allow them to do that. Keep up the blog and let’s get real about how we are all going to improve the outlook for our state by having us Democrats reach out and work with the other side for the benefit of our community and our own families.
Bob
January 24, 2024 at 9:20 am
That’s a totally bogus assessment. It’s got nothing to do with the top rate this time. The 2nd rate would be expanded to include married couples with income up to 150k. That is a tax cut for the middle class. The rich do not benefit with this bill, and if evers veto’s he will have to explain to the voters next election why he stomped on tax cuts for them 3 times. Sickening.
The Dude
January 24, 2024 at 12:40 pm
Bob, that is exactly what I was saying above. WIZM has been actively reporting that these proposed tax cuts with the largest are focused for middle income along with marriage and child care credits. These are real benefits for everyone in both parties. Also, Rick and Brad Pfaff reported the budget surplus is NOT 7 billion as monies have already been returned via shared revenue. I don’t know how this blog does not take into account what is being reported by WIZM staff.
Mitey Mite
January 24, 2024 at 8:29 pm
People should do their own research. This “editorial” departs drastically from reality.
Is this editorial misinformation or disinformation? Or just another innocent and benign mistake?