Quietly, the Legislature and Governor have approved a new tax on business. The measure is designed to prop up the state's Unemployment Compensation Fund, which was getting close to running out of money.
Wayne Corey, head of Wisconsin Independent Businesses, says it was a step that had to be taken. He says the last thing the state needed to see was to have the fund get anywhere near a deficit situation. Even if it is difficult to swallow for some businesses, it was a good idea.
Corey says an interesting aspect of the new tax was that it passed the Legislature with little fanfare or discussion.
The increase takes effect next January. How much each employer pays into will vary.