E-Update: More Good News in the State Budget July 1, 2011



Dear friends,

You have likely heard the news by now: the State Legislature passed an honestly balanced budget, and we did it in a bill that provides a net tax cut, not a tax increase. However, the good news for Wisconsin taxpayers does not stop there.

Every state budget is a massive document, and while the big picture may make front page news, many important details often get glossed over. So, today, I want to focus this update on some lesser talked about provisions in the budget that are nonetheless very important to the future of our state.

You may not know the budget includes a property tax freeze and tax relief aimed at growing manufacturing jobs in our state, continuing the path we started earlier this year of putting Wisconsin’s economy back on track.

Transparency to Ensure Your Money is Spent Responsibility

Waste, fraud and abuse are three words that have become almost synonymous with government spending. Despite many well-intentioned efforts to ferret out waste, reckless spending seems to continue unabated. Given the scope of the waste and abuse, it has become clear that no one elected official can solve the entirety of the problem, and that what is really needed is more openness and transparency to allow all of the watchdogs more access to information. Thankfully, this budget includes unprecedented spending transparency.

Included in the 2011-2013 state budget is the Checkbook Disclosure Act. This proposal, part of the "Taxpayers First Agenda" I helped bring forward in recent sessions, requires all state expenditures be published online. In doing so, the media, government watchdog groups, legislators and you will be able to see how your taxpayer dollars are being spent.

For far too long, Wisconsin government has operated behind closed doors without accountability. With this proposal in place, the light will finally shine on the decisions politicians make with your money.

Manufacturers Tax Credit

Another positive proposal for Wisconsin’s economic climate included in the budget is the Manufacturers Tax Credit. Historically, Wisconsin has been a national leader in manufacturing, and this credit is aimed at helping job-creating manufacturers in Wisconsin stay competitive in the ever-changing world marketplace. By removing some of the tax burdens from the manufacturing industry, these employers will be much more likely to expand and in turn create jobs.

Since this legislative session began, Wisconsin has already made vast improvements in our national business climate ranking, and this credit will continue our efforts to make our state a leader in job creation.

Permanent Property Tax Freeze

As I have talked to residents of the 33rd Senate District, one issue that comes up again and again is property taxes. Many families are struggling to stay in their homes, others are making the decision of where they will retire, and in each case, property taxes are a real concern. This budget recognizes this concern by implementing a permanent property tax freeze. As a result of this proposal, the average homeowner will save more than $700 dollars over the next two years.

The economy of the state, and the nation, has struggled in recent years. Hopefully, however, Wisconsin families and businesses can breathe a little easier knowing their state budget is balanced and taxes are going down—not up. To improve Wisconsin’s economy, we must make it easier for families to balance their own budgets and for businesses to create jobs, and that is precisely what this budget does.

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Sen.Zipperer@legis.wisconsin.gov State Capitol Room 323 South - P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707-7882 Telephone: (608) 266-9174
Fax: (608) 282-3573