The governor’s budget gives Wisconsin and its private sector employers a platform of tax relief, education reform, and fiscal discipline, that will help get our state’s financial house in order and make our economy more competitive for the long haul.
I am extremely pleased that Governor Walker has been willing to make the tough choices today that will help build a brighter tomorrow for Wisconsin job creators.
The MMAC was particularly pleased with the governor’s proposals in the following priority areas:
- Tax relief – Mitigating the fiscal damage done to companies by combined reporting changes imposed last legislative session; encouraging investment in Wisconsin’s economy though Capital Gains Tax exemptions; strengthening job attraction tools like the Angel Investment Tax Credit and Jobs Tax Credit; and placing limits on property tax increases.
- Education – Increasing the availability and flexibility of innovative, high-quality educational options in Milwaukee and the rest of the state.
- Transportation – Accelerating construction and expansion of the Zoo Interchange; investing in Wisconsin’s freight rail infrastructure; and maintaining the state’s commitment to passenger rail service in the Milwaukee to Chicago corridor.
After years of watching governors and legislatures of both political parties try to balance budgets with gimmicks, raids, and tax hikes, it is refreshing to see Governor Walker laying out a fiscally honest blueprint for Wisconsin’s future. We look forward to working with the Governor to make these reforms a reality and create an ‘open for business’ atmosphere for our entire state.
Tim Sheehy is the president of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce.
