Forward
Janesville Opposes Sales Tax Plan
Less
than a month after the 2006 election, State Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton)
unveiled a proposal authorizing the state to tax a long list of products and
services currently exempt from Wisconsin’s 5% sales tax. Additionally,
the Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) proposed a specific list of goods and
services it believes should be subject to the sales tax. WCA is
recommending that lawmakers consider adding sales tax to currently exempted
items like legal services; advertising; architectural, engineering and surveying
services; management consulting and public relations; and accounting services,
to name just a few.
The Erpenbach/WCA plan
could increase state sales tax collections by more than $3 billion. If
enacted, these tax increases would cost Wisconsin businesses millions of dollars
annually, and could affect many of our state’s most vital industries.
According to Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, Wisconsin residents already
pay the 6th highest state and local taxes in the nation, and this plan would
only add to that burden.
We urge FJI Members to help stop this misguided proposal in its tracks before
the legislative session begins in January 2007. To that end, we encourage
you send a message to your state legislators asking them to oppose the Erpenbach/WCA
plan.
Contact your legislators today!
Senator
Judy Robson (D-15)
Representative
Kim Hixson (D-43)
Representative Brett Davis (R-80)