How you can stop a bad legislative idea -TPA/TABOR
HELP OPPOSE LATEST TAX GIMMICK
The Taxpayer Protection Amendment (TPA) is being rushed through the legislature before citizens can be fully informed about its dangers.
TPA is a constitutional amendment similar to the failed Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) experiment in Colorado which has done so much damage to public services, education and infrastructure in that state. TPA will put rigid limits in the Wisconsin Constitution on how much revenue the state, counties, cities, villages, public schools, technical colleges and special districts can collect each year. It gives individuals an unprecedented right to sue any of these governmental units if they disagree with how the limits are implemented. TPA undermines local control, creates a potential litigation nightmare for communities, and cripples the ability of elected representatives to thoughtfully respond to local needs.
The current tax system is unfair but TPA will preserve all the corporate tax breaks that have significantly shifted taxes from the business sector to individuals and residential property owners. Of the 4,851 corporations with total revenue of at least $100 million, 65% paid no Wisconsin corporate income tax in 2003. It is no surprise that the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce big business lobby group is the biggest promoter of TPA / TABOR.
For a full explanation of TPA / TABOR, click here.
What can you do?
Contact your Senator and Representative immediately to urge that they oppose
SJR 63 and AJR 77, which are identical versions of the so-called Taxpayer Protection Amendment. E-Mail: www.legis.state.wi.us. Legislative Hotline: 1.800.362.9472. Madison area: 266.9960
Register or testify in opposition to SJR 63 and AJR 77 at a legislative hearing on Wednesday, March 1, at 4:00 pm at the Country Springs Hotel, Woodfield Room, 2810 Golf Road, Pewaukee, located just off I-94. (From Madison, exit on Hwy G. From Milwaukee, exit on Hwy T).
Now is the time to make a strong statement in opposition to tax gimmicks in the form of
TPA or TABOR or whatever slogan is used, so that we can protect the quality of life in our state and engage in a responsible discussion about its future. Thanks in advance for your help!
posted by Mike Norton @ 4:24 PM
5 Comments:
Wow...the anger in this article sure comes through. Mike, take some meds...I'm sure the democrats will eventually come back to power again. OR, you could always move to some Socalist paradise where everyone has health care, everyone has great wages, everyone has a free retirement program...wow, kind of sounds like being involved with the County.
If steps are not taken to control government spending in this state we will continue to be one of the highest taxed states in the union, and have more fees, and a .5% sales tax. I thought the taxes were bad enough, now the dems want more taxes on top of the growing amount of fees we have added. Will it ever end? Left unchecked the dems will continue to find ways around the laws so they can keep taking money out of our pockets. All this to keep our government workers happy with their free retirement, Cadilac health care, and rising wages. Glad to see someone is trying to bring things back into line with those of us in the private sector.
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
To anonymous where in the post does it say Democrat or Republican?
Also are you the same for both comments. Would you be willing to reveal yourself to further discuss the issues and points that you raised.
Be specific on your claims- who gets free retirement,a cadilac halth care plan , and rising wages.
No, not the same poster...But to answer the questions:
1) It is true that County employees pay $0.00 toward their state retirement pension. Fact...About 80% of all state and local pension plans require employees to make at least some contribution to their defined benefit plan. The average payroll deduction is 5% of salary. In California, the governor is proposing an increase from 5% to 6%, but union leaders are vigorously opposing that. I know it wouldn't be easy, but TRUE LEADERSHIP would propose that we get somewhat close to the national average. The status quo of a free, fully funded pension is nothing more than Socialism.
2) The health care plan available to city, county workers is second to none. Why do you think the annual premiums are so high. Once again, TRUE LEADERSHIP would look for alternative ways to reduce costs (high deducible plans with HSA's????). When a visit to the doctor is as cheap as a visit to the hairdresser, you know something is wrong. Again, the status quo is nothing more than socialized medicine.
3) Rising wages...you have to look no further than last year for a perfect example. The county, while whining about the budget caps imposed on them, STILL voted for pay raises. Watching the finance director try to explain to Joe Maehl how an increase was a cut was hilarious. Only in government. TRUE LEADERSHIP would call for a freeze (or even a cut) in salaries while other costs continue to rise.
Thanks for your service Mike. I respect the fact that you truly believe what you say. But...please don't become a shill for the Labor Unions and Government Leadership.
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