A bill now ready for Governor Scott Walker’s signature makes it harder to raise taxes in Wisconsin. The bill will require two thirds of lawmakers to approve any tax hike. “It’s a meaningless, useless piece of legislation,” said Senator Fred Risser (D-Madison). “It’s not worth the paper it’s written on.” Senator Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee) tore and crumpled a copy of the bill. “This piece of paper means nothing,” said Carpenter.
But the bill’s author, Senator Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa), said the bill is just prelude to a constitutional amendment. “The amendment is the next step. This bill is just our first promise to the people of Wisconsin,” said Vukmir. “It creates tax certainty for individuals and for businesses.” The bill, which has already passed the Assembly, got just one Democratic vote, from Senator Julie Lassa of Stevens Point. Democrats pointed out it does nothing to stop lawmakers from raising fees.
Also on Tuesday, the Senate passed on a 25-7 vote a bill which lowers the mandatory minimum level of automobile insurance state residents are required to purchase.
