Background:
The economic downturn and poor budgetary decisions in the past have created a significant state budget deficit.  When facing a deficit, legislators can cut spending to match expected revenues, raise taxes, or a combination of the two. 

Outcome:
To solve the budget deficit, this budget relies heavily on tax increases.  I received many contacts concerning tax and fee increases in the final budget bill.  Here is a big picture summary of how the budget and Act 2 (a bill passed earlier in the session to balance the current year budget) combine to raise taxes and fees paid in Wisconsin.

Tax and fee increase:

Budget Bill:	$2.1-2.2 billion (approximately)
Act 2:	$1.2 billion

Property tax increase on median value home:

2010:	$90
2011:	$130
Statewide Total: $1.5 billion

Total Tax Increases in this Budget:

	$2.2 billion
	$1.5 billion (property. tax)
Total:	$3.7 billion

Total Tax Increases in this Session:

$4.8 - $5 billion

Total Tax Increases This Session: $4.8 - $5 billion

Follow the link below to see a listing of specific tax and fee increases as approved by the Joint Committee on Finance.  Slight modifications were made to a few tax provisions were made by the legislature before final passage.  I will publish a final detailed report from the Legislative Fiscal Bureau when it becomes available.  VIEW DETAILS ON TAX AND FEE INCREASES (PDF)