The Wisconsin State Senate approved a $66 billion (two-year) budget last week that includes $15.2 billion in new taxes. The budget includes new or increased taxes on oil companies, cigarette sales, hospitals, vehicle registrations, and real estate transfers. The proposed budget does include universal health care (a $15 billion proposal that may violate Federal ERISA rules) and over 150 other changes.
As I read the story in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal, I wasn’t surprised to find that the Democrats control the State Senate in Wisconsin. Luckily for taxpayers, Republicans control the Wisconsin State Assembly. It’s certain that the budget in its current form won’t be approved.
Wisconsin already has the 7th worst tax burden in the United States (according to the Tax Foundation). Apparently that’s not good enough for the Democrats in the Dairy State.