For More Information Contact:
Rep. Sue Jeskewitz (608) 266-3796
(Madison)… Representative Sue Jeskewitz (R-Menomonee Falls) supports the new Wisconsin Taxpayer Protection Act (TPA), Assembly Joint Resolution 77 and its Senate Companion, Senate Joint Resolution 63. These joint resolutions are the first step in amending Wisconsin’s Constitution to limit increases in revenue for all taxing authorities to inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and other growth factors.
“As written, this amendment is better than what was presented as TABOR last session,” remarked Jeskewitz. “I was very happy to see that ALL levels of government and taxing entities are included, unlike before. We should not tell local governments to live within revenue constraints unless we are willing to do so at the state level as well.”
As it is written now, the amendment:
o Limits revenue collection with increases based on inflation and other growth factors;
o Prevents state government from transferring program responsibility without necessary funding and corresponding reduction of state revenue limit;
o Outlines process for accessing emergency reserve fund
“As much as I like the TPA in this original form, my personal philosophy is to use caution when signing on to legislation. This amendment could get better or it could get worse. My hope is that when it comes time to vote on the TPA it will still be something I can support. Too often what starts out as a good idea morphs into something very different and then I find myself having to remove my name as a co-sponsor.” Rep. Jeff Wood (R-Chippewa Falls), the author and Chair of the Assembly Committee on Ways & Means, stated at a Ways & Means hearing last week that he anticipates many amendments will be offered to the original resolution.
Jeskewitz is a member of the Assembly Committee on Ways & Means that will be hearing the Joint Resolutions in a joint meeting with the Senate Select Committee on Taxpayer Protection Amendment on Wednesday, February 15, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. in the State Capitol, Room 412 East.
