JFC Passes $3.4 Billion Tax Cut, Addresses MOE and Funds Schools Two-Thirds

$2.5 Billion Income Tax Relief, $200 Million Small Business Tax Relief
and $650 Million Property Tax Relief

MADISON, WI - Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) made the following statement today following the final Executive Session of the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC):

“It is a tremendous day for taxpayers.  We received some very good news last week that we have a $4.4 Billion budget surplus. JFC action returned a chunk of it to the citizens while funding our priorities.  We are sending a total tax cut of $3.4 Billion back to the people of Wisconsin.
 
This tax cut includes the elimination of an unfair tax on small businesses – the Personal Property Tax (PPT). Not only is this tax unfair – the cost of compliance is ridiculous.  As a CPA, I am thrilled to take this burden off of small businesses.
 
We cut all of these taxes while respecting our state’s checkbook and growing the balance in the Rainy Day Fund to $2 billion.
 
Several weeks ago, I was asked about the maintenance of effort (MOE) issue in this budget.  At the time, I said the risk is manageable. And I was right.
 
We have met our maintenance of effort obligations and have secured $1.5 Billion in Federal funding for schools.  We also achieved a huge benchmark and have achieved two-thirds funding for schools.
 
This is a good budget that makes strategic investments while respecting the taxpayer’s checkbook. I am proud of our work on behalf of the people of Wisconsin.”