Lawmakers would need a two-thirds majority to raise taxes, under a bill approved by the Assembly Tuesday. The legislation would require a supermajority vote of the Legislature to approve any tax increase.
State Representative Tyler August (R-Walworth) says the bill reflects the desire of Wisconsin voters to see tax hikes stopped. He says the people want it harder to raise taxes in Wisconsin, as they watch spending continue to increase at the Capitol.
State Representative Chris Danou (D-Trempealeau) criticized the bill as a bad policy move that could tie the hands of lawmakers as they try to deal with a growing budget deficit. He warned it could lead to an inability to govern in the long term.
Democrats also argued the bill will result in costs being pushed off to local governments, school districts, and the public.
State Representative Tamara Grigsby (D-Milwaukee) lobbied unsuccessfully for an amendment that would have extended the requirement to fee increases. She says the average taxpayer needs to be protected from costs being shifted off to them.
The bill passed the Assembly on a 57-36 vote and now heads to the state Senate.
