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Conservatively Speaking
State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) represents parts of four counties: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Walworth. Her Senate District 28 includes New Berlin, Franklin, Greendale, Hales Corners, Muskego, Waterford, Big Bend and parts of Greenfield, East Troy, and Mukwonago. Senator Lazich has been in the Legislature for more than a decade. She considers herself a tireless crusader for lower taxes, reduced spending and smaller government.
By Mary Lazich
Friday, Sep 5 2008, 02:11 PM
Residents of southeast Wisconsin are quite familiar with the federal agency, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The EPA has determined the quality of air in our area is hampered by auto emissions. According to the Wisconsin Vehicle Inspection Program (WVIP) Annual Report for 2005-2006, “The U.S. EPA implemented a more stringent ozone standard, the so-called 8-hour ozone standard. In April 2004, several southeastern and eastern Wisconsin counties were designated non-attainment areas under this standard. The WVIP will play an important, ongoing role in the state’s efforts to comply with the standard.”
That means the auto emission program continues in southeast Wisconsin, although there was a change implemented in the program this summer. As of July 1, 2008, cars and trucks built before 1996 are exempt from undergoing emissions testing.
This seems odd given that the conventional wisdom is older cars produce dirtier emissions and that newer, cleaner running automobiles that have replaced older cars are cleaner and stay cleaner much longer than their predecessors. If any vehicles should be exempt, it should be the newer and not the older models.
Motorists in southeast Wisconsin are also required to pump and use reformulated gas (RFG) that during the summertime costs much more than gasoline in counties outside our region. How effective is RFG in improving the quality of our air? The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel recently posed that question to the EPA. The EPA had to admit that it didn’t know.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported June 30, 2008, “The Public Investigator Team asked the Environmental Protection Agency exactly how the gas benefits air quality today. The answer: ‘That's the data we don't know now,’ said Paul Machiele, director of the EPA's Fuels Center in Ann Arbor, Mich.”
During May of this year, I signed a letter with other lawmakers asking the EPA to eliminate the RFG requirement. The EPA says it's preparing a response. Remember, southeast Wisconsin consumers have complained mightily about the effect of RFG, wreaking havoc on automobiles and small engines.
That leads to the latest EPA folly. The EPA on September 4, 2008 implemented a rule that allows the agency to regulate the emissions of your lawnmower.
Beginning in 2011, a 35 percent reduction in emissions will be required for new lawn and garden equipment. Emission reductions of 70 percent will also be enforced for speedboats and other recreational boats starting in 2010. The executive director of the National Association of Clean Air Agencies, Bill Becker told the Associated Press the new EPA rules will be the equivalent of taking one out of every five cars and trucks off the road.
Not surprisingly, the new rules carry a big cost. According to the EPA, it will cost $236 million a year to attain the required reductions in emissions so that the government can regulate your lawnmowers and boats. I will bet you can figure out rather quickly what will happen to those increased costs. You, the consumer, will pay higher prices when you purchase that next piece of lawn or gardening equipment. The California Air Resources Board calculates walk-behind lawnmowers will cost 18 percent more. The cost of commercial turf care mowers will go up about three percent.
The EPA says that, “To meet the new exhaust emission standards, manufacturers will likely employ catalytic converters for the first time in many small watercraft and lawn and garden equipment.” The agency claims the strategy of requiring catalytic converters is “feasible and safe,” despite the objections of some members of Congress that installing the devices in small engines creates a fire hazard.
Your car, your gasoline, your boat, your lawnmower, your weed trimmer….I shake my head in amazement and wonder what could possibly be next.
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By Mary Lazich
Friday, Sep 5 2008, 12:50 PM
You have probably seen one of the many announcements that have inundated the airwaves about the impending mandate about conversion to digital or DTV. As of midnight, February 17, 2009, by a Congressional mandate, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog. They will switch to 100% digital broadcasting. Digital broadcasting will provide a clearer picture and more programming options. The new technology will also free up the airwaves for use by emergency responders.
What does this mean to consumers? What will you have to do in order to comply with the conversion mandate?
If this sounds too complex and raises many questions, you can find answers at the Milwaukee Public Television website
and from the Federal Communications Commission.
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By Mary Lazich
Thursday, Sep 4 2008, 05:22 PM
Thank you to everyone who came out to the events surrounding the 105th anniversary of Harley-Davidson. The outpouring of support and hospitality was tremendous.
Here are some pictures taken during the Women’s Day Ride I participated in last Friday.
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By Mary Lazich
Thursday, Sep 4 2008, 03:09 PM
The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs is holding a meeting this week at Fort McCoy to provide information on the various benefits and services available to our fine Veterans. It’s called the Supermarket of Veterans Benefits, and takes place Friday, September 5.
Here are the details.
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By Mary Lazich
Wednesday, Sep 3 2008, 09:29 AM
The incredibly talented Muskego Water Bugs have been invited to compete in the 2008 Sino-American Water Ski Competition in China. They will represent the United States against two of the very best professional Chinese water ski show teams.
The Muskego Water Bugs will leave for China on September 26 and return on October 6 after competing in Dongguan City of Guangdong Province and Shanghai. The Chinese competition became part of a Chinese holiday celebration six years ago. While the Muskego water skiers are delighted to travel to China for the competition, they believe the most important element of their trip is the great opportunity to build U.S./China relations through the avenue of entertainment.
Travel and food expenses are being handled by the Chinese Water Ski Association in cooperation with each local government sponsor. Private and corporate donations are being accepted to offset miscellaneous expenses. Fourteen members of the Muskego Water Bugs and three other Wisconsin water-skiers are making the trip.
Family oriented, the Muskego Water Bugs feature parents and children performing on the shores of beautiful Little Muskego Lake at Idle Isle. This year, the group is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Formed in 1958 on Okauchee Lake, the skiers wanted to exhibit their water skills to spectators. The Water Bugs became one of Wisconsin’s first ski show clubs.
The group moved to Beulah in East Troy in 1967 and built their first ski jump. Not only did the Water Bugs perform shows at Beulah beach, they began competing in state, regional, and national contests, taking second place for show competition at the 1973 Wisconsin State Water Ski Show Championships.
One year later, another move, this time to rainbow Springs. Without a particular home, the Water Bugs traveled from location to location, performing at various cities and lakes. That changed in 1981. The Water Bugs declared Little Muskego Lake as their new home. They have been performing at Idle Isle Park ever since, even providing water ski lessons during the summer.
The Muskego Water Bugs is one of the oldest water ski show teams in the country, officially celebrating their 50th anniversary September 5 and 6, 2008. September 6 will feature an alumni show at 2:00 pm. The current Water Bugs will perform at 3:00 pm. And you can’t beat this…the price is right: all shows throughout the season and on September 6 are free!
The performers have been rewarded for their hard work and talent, winning numerous state, national, and international championships. Like our Olympians, the team is comprised of amateur skiers and drivers whose only compensation is the thunderous applause of appreciative fans. I am truly amazed at the enormous talent and high-quality entertainment Wisconsin has to offer right here in Senate District 28 in Muskego. I prepared a special Senate citation, and I was thrilled to present it during intermission at another of their outstanding performances on August 20. The citation reads: Whereas, the Muskego Water Bugs are invited to represent the United States at the 2008 Sino-American Water Ski Competition to compete against two top professional Chinese show ski teams; and
Whereas, the Muskego Water Bugs qualified and placed fourth in the Division One National Show Ski Team Competition at the Thirty-Fourth Championships, with additional competition awards to Kelly Neubauer and Kyle Wohler earning fourteenth place doubles, Meghan Moriarty and Marty Campbell earning second place doubles, The Jump Team earning fifth place, and Terry Roslawski earning the Skip Gilkerson Award for best male skier; and
Whereas, the Muskego Water Bugs will represent the United States of America with 14 participants from Muskego, including Terry Roslawski, Peggy Moriarty, Alyssa Modlinski, Cory Krivitz, Kyle Wohler, Michelle Aird, Meghan Moriarty, Marty Campbell, Kaitlin Moriarty, Andy Krumrai, Mike O’Dwyer, Allie Krumrai, Craig Planton, and Mark Moriarty and three Wisconsin water skiers, Jeremy Armstrong, Kristin Armstrong, and Geoff Stone joining the Muskego Water Bugs for the China competition; now
Therefore, the members of the Wisconsin State Senate on the motion of Senator Mary Lazich congratulate the Muskego Water Bugs for successfully competing to earn status to represent the United States of America at the China competition. The Muskego Water Bugs are further commended for earning distinction to represent the United States of America at the China event to better United States/Chinese relations in an environment centered around fun and entertainment.
I wish the Muskego Water Bugs the best of luck at the 2008 Sino-American Water Ski Competition in China! Thank you, Water Bugs, for sharing your gifted talents and for bringing immense pride and joy to our great state!
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By Mary Lazich
Tuesday, Sep 2 2008, 02:01 PM
The deadline is fast approaching to apply for flood recovery assistance form the federal government. If you want to apply to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for assistance for damages from June flooding, the deadline is September 15, 2008.
You can apply online here or call FEMA's toll free line at (800) 621-FEMA.
Just under 38,500 Wisconsin registrants have applied for help from FEMA. The agency has provided over $48 million to Wisconsin residents and households and about $29 million in loans to small businesses has also been approved.
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By Mary Lazich
Tuesday, Sep 2 2008, 09:45 AM
Two years ago, I wrote a column predicting “an outrageous explosion of gambling, the likes of which Wisconsin has never seen. Tourism brochures can start describing the Badger State as the Las Vegas of the Midwest.”
I specifically pointed to the Potawatomi Bingo Casino in Milwaukee and how its massive expansion flies in the face of voters and the Wisconsin Constitution.
Just how big was the growth at Potawatomi? Here is the most recent ranking of the top 10 largest Indian casinos.
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By Mary Lazich
Sunday, Aug 31 2008, 08:17 AM
This past weekend, the Muskego Teen Advisory Board hosted a dunk tank for the community festival at Moorland Park. I sat in the dunk tank for an hour on Sunday and took a few dips in the process.
I’m very happy to report that the dunk tank raised $1432.50. Proceeds will be used toward two sand volleyball courts at Moorland Park. Thank you to everyone who participated for this very good cause!
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By Mary Lazich
Thursday, Aug 28 2008, 05:01 PM
As one of the four million women Harley-Davidson motorcycle riders, I am thrilled to be participating in the exciting 105th anniversary of Harley-Davidson.
This Friday, August 29, I will be one of the VIP’s leading the Women’s Day Ride that featured over 2,000 female bikers at the 100th anniversary in 2003. The Women’s Day Ride leaves Greenfield High School at 60th and Layton at 3:30 p.m. sharp on Friday. The parade route will be Layton Avenue to 794 over the Hoan Bridge to the lakefront.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel photos
Women’s Day also features the 2008 Reunion Bash at 62nd and Layton, free and open to the public. Emmy-nominated TV producer and founder of the Women Riders Now website, Genevieve Schmitt will be conducting seminars. The Chopper Chick Crew will have a charity bike build. Sara Liberte and Jody Perewitz will hold Garage Girls seminars. There will also be a “For Ladies Only” bike show.
Hal’s Harley-Davidson at 1925 S. Moorland Road in New Berlin is hosting two special all-women bike builds this weekend. You can get more details here.
I also am delighted to be one of the VIP’s leading the big parade down Wisconsin Avenue that takes place Saturday, August 30. The parade leaves Miller Park at 9 a.m. and continues east on Wisconsin Avenue before turning south on Milwaukee Street. The route then turns east on Erie Street to the Summerfest grounds.
The Harley-Davidson Parade of MDA Heroes will be led by riders who have raised at least $6,400 for MDA prior to Aug. 1, 2008. Money raised will cover the cost of sending eight children to MDA Summer Camp.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel photos
Please join me in welcoming all of these wonderful Harley-Davidson enthusiasts from all over the world to our great state and enjoy all the festivities associated with this magnificent spectacle.
Happy 105th anniversary Harley-Davidson!
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By Mary Lazich
Thursday, Aug 28 2008, 02:16 PM
Over the next several days, thousands of motorcyclists will be in our area celebrating the 105th anniversary of Harley-Davidson. Everyone wants the most enjoyable festivities, and even if you don’t ride a motorcycle, you can do your part to make the celebration safe. Here are tips from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for automobile and truck drivers to be aware of around motorcyclists:
There are far fewer motorcycles on the road than cars and trucks. Motorists often don’t recognize motorcycles. Look for them, especially when checking traffic at intersections.
Judging a motorcycle’s speed and how close it is can be difficult because of the motorcycle’s size. It is always best when checking traffic to assume a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
The small size can make it appear that a motorcycle is moving faster than it really is. Do not assume all motorcyclists are speed merchants.
Motorcycles can hide in a motorist’s blind spot or be blocked by objects or backgrounds like bushes, fences, and bridges. Thoroughly check traffic when changing lanes or turning at intersections.
At times, motorcyclists will slow down by downshifting or rolling off the throttle. When they do, their brake lights are not activated. Motorists need to apply more following distance around motorcyclists.
Be aware that turn signals on a motorcycle are generally not self-canceling. Motorcyclists at times forget to turn their signals off after making a turn or lane change.
Motorcyclists will change position in a lane for various reasons, including the ability to seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and the wind. They are not adjusting their lane position to show off, be reckless, or share their lane with you.
Despite the great maneuverability of a motorcycle, don’t expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.
Allow more stopping distance behind a motorcyclist, especially on slippery pavement.
When you see a motorcycle in motion, regard it as a person, not a motorcycle.
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By Mary Lazich
Wednesday, Aug 27 2008, 03:37 PM
Wisconsin residents can find out if they are registered to vote in the September 9, 2008 primary or the November 4, 2008 general election at a state website.
The Government Accountability Board’s site informs voters if they are registered. Click here and follow instructions.
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By Mary Lazich
Wednesday, Aug 27 2008, 08:55 AM
One year ago, I blogged about the problems associated with feel-good fat taxes.
As far-fetched as a fat tax may sound (most of the revenue often fails to get to obesity-prevention programs or healthy food subsidies), Alabama has taken the extraordinary step of mandating that its state employees get into shape in two years or be forced to pay more for insurance.
Some states, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, provide incentives for people to adopt healthier lifestyles. Workers in Ohio get $50 for having health assessments and another $50 if they follow medical instructions.
Arkansas and Missouri give monthly discounts on premiums for employees who take health risk assessments and enroll in programs to reduce obesity and stress. Those states differ from Alabama in that they offer incentives instead of punishments. Alabama has become the first state to charge workers who fail to try to lose weight.
Some medical experts oppose the Alabama plan, saying it's too punitive. Read more about Alabama’s plan here.
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By Mary Lazich
Tuesday, Aug 26 2008, 05:47 PM
An announcement made Monday will ensure that the Big Ten Network will be distributed on expanded basic cable in the eight Big Ten states, including Wisconsin.
JOINT STATEMENT FROM TIME WARNER CABLE AND THE BIG TEN NETWORK:
Time Warner Cable and the Big Ten Network announced today that they have reached an agreement-in-principle on terms of carriage for the Big Ten Network and its high-definition and video-on-demand programming on Time Warner Cable's line-ups throughout the Big Ten territory, including Ohio and Wisconsin. The pending agreement will ensure that Time Warner Cable's customers across these Big Ten states will have access to this Saturday's Big Ten college football season openers and all future Big Ten Network programming on an expanded basic level of service.
Here is the Wisconsin football schedule for the 2008 season.
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By Mary Lazich
Saturday, Aug 23 2008, 10:30 AM
Modeled after Wisconsin’s Amber Alert Plan, legislation I have drafted would utilize the Amber Alert system to alert the public about an elderly person wandering or becoming lost. Called the Silver Alert, the system would not increase costs because it uses a service already in operation.
My legislation would also use the current system to notify the public about a sex offender being monitored by Global Positioning System (GPS) either tampers with the GPS device or if the device is not working.
When an Amber Alert is activated, Wisconsin radio and television stations cut into programming to broadcast information about an abducted child using the Emergency Alert System. Highway message board signs also convey information about confirmed child abduction.
Eight states have instituted a Silver Alert-type system that helps find missing Alzheimer’s or dementia patients. Silver Alert has been successful. A majority of those reported missing have returned safely. Stateline.org reports:
“At least 5.2 million Americans suffer from dementia, and research shows that six out of 10 of those will wander. Only 4 percent of those who leave home alone are able to find their way back without help, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Every year, hundreds of seniors and others with dementia wander away, on foot or driving, and if not found within 24 hours, at least half suffer serious injury or death, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. As baby boomers age, the toll is expected to multiply.”
Getting information out quickly and employing the aid of the public may prevent the tragic death of a senior citizen.
Because of my work during the past several years on sex predator/offender issues, I have included offenders that tamper with GPS devices in my legislation. Tampering with a GPS device is a felony. Wisconsin law also prohibits blocking, diffusing or preventing the transmission of a signal from a GPS device.
Should an offender tamper with GPS or if the monitoring device ceases to function, the state’s current Amber Alert System would be used to notify the public of pertinent information about the offender.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported on May 10, 2008, that Roy Jackson, convicted of first degree sexual assault of a child, cut off his GPS monitoring bracelet on March 6 while on parole. Jackson went into hiding, but was apprehended in New Holstein by a team of Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Deputies, Sheboygan Police Officers and Deputy U.S. Marshals during a special operation in early June. Jackson had been at large for about three months and was hiding under a couch at the time of his arrest.
Sex offenders tampering with GPS pose a risk to families and their children. The public needs to be given as much information as possible in such instances to insure they can better protect themselves and their children.
I will introduce my legislation to add senior citizens that go missing and sex offenders that tamper with GPS to the current Amber Alert System during the next legislative session that begins January 2009.
Here is an analysis of my legislation from the Wisconsin State Legislative Reference Bureau:
"The Department of Justice (DOJ) currently administers the Amber Alert System, under which it works with law enforcement agencies, broadcasters, and others to disseminate information regarding certain missing child cases.
This bill creates a statutory requirement that DOJ administer an alert system to disseminate information regarding missing adults who are cognitively impaired. This bill also provides civil immunity to persons who, as participants in this alert program, disseminate alerts regarding missing adults at risk and to persons who assist an adult at risk who is the subject of an alert.
Under current law, the Department of Corrections (DOC) uses global positioning system tracking devices (GPS devices) to monitor certain sex offenders, and tampering with such GPS devices is a felony. Under this bill, if DOC believes that the GPS device monitoring a sex offender has been tampered with, or is otherwise not working at a risk to public safety, DOC will alert DOJ. DOJ will administer an alert system to disseminate information regarding that sex offender."
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By Mary Lazich
Thursday, Aug 21 2008, 02:27 PM
Last night, I had the honor of presenting a special citation from the Wisconsin State Senate to the Muskego Water Bugs during intermission at another of their outstanding performances. The Muskego Water Bugs are invited to compete in the 2008 Sino-American Water Ski Competition in China. Family oriented, the Muskego Water Bugs feature parents and children performing on the shores of beautiful Little Muskego Lake at Idle Isle.
You still have two opportunities to see this incredibly talented group of people this year. The next Muskego Water Bugs show will be next Wednesday, August 27 at 6:30 pm. Arrive at 6:00 PM and see the Futures show featuring new performers in training. Some of the regular fans of the shows call this particular program, giggles. To reach Idle Isle Park, enter via Hardtke Drive from Martin Road.
The Muskego Water Bugs is one of the oldest water ski show teams in the country, celebrating their 50th anniversary September 5 and 6, 2008. September 6, will feature an alumni show at 2:00 pm. The current Water Bugs will perform at 3:00 pm. And you can’t beat this…the price is right: all shows throughout the season and on September 6 are free!
The performers have been rewarded for their hard work and talent, winning numerous state, national, and international championships. Like our Olympians, the team is comprised of amateur skiers and drivers whose only compensation is the thunderous applause of appreciative fans. I am truly amazed at the enormous talent and high-quality entertainment Wisconsin has to offer right here in Senate District 28 in Muskego.
I prepared a Senate citation, and I was thrilled to present it at last night’s performance. The citation reads:
Whereas,, the Muskego Water Bugs are invited to represent the United States at the 2008 Sino-American Water Ski Competition to compete against two top professional Chinese show ski teams; and
Whereas, the Muskego Water Bugs qualified and placed fourth in the Division One National Show Ski Team Competition at the Thirty-Fourth Championships, with additional competition awards to Kelly Neubauer and Kyle Wohler earning fourteenth place doubles, Meghan Moriarty and Marty Campbell earning second place doubles, The Jump Team earning fifth place, and Terry Roslawski earning the Skip Gilkerson Award for best male skier; and
Whereas, the Muskego Water Bugs will represent the United States of America with 14 participants from Muskego, including Terry Roslawski, Peggy Moriarty, Alyssa Modlinski, Cory Krivitz, Kyle Wohler, Michelle Aird, Meghan Moriarty, Marty Campbell, Kaitlin Moriarty, Andy Krumrai, Mike O’Dwyer, Allie Krumrai, Craig Planton, and Mark Moriarty and three Wisconsin water skiers, Jeremy Armstrong, Kristin Armstrong, and Geoff Stone joining the Muskego Water Bugs for the China competition; now
Therefore, the members of the Wisconsin State Senate on the motion of Senator Mary Lazich congratulate the Muskego Water Bugs for successfully competing to earn status to represent the United States of America at the China competition. The Muskego Water Bugs are further commended for earning distinction to represent the United States of America at the China event to better United States/Chinese relations in an environment centered around fun and entertainment.
I wish the Muskego Water Bugs the best of luck at the 2008 Sino-American Water Ski Competition in China! Thank you, Water Bugs, for sharing your gifted talents and for bringing immense pride and joy to our great state!
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By Mary Lazich
Thursday, Aug 21 2008, 08:38 AM
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I call them enticements.
Powerball is announcing big changes in its jackpot lottery game. Like a trailer for the next Hollywood box office smash, a lottery press release pulls out all the persuasive stops to lure more players. Powerball promises to “increase the size of the average jackpot,” and make the game “even more exciting,” because Powerball wants to “create lots of millionaires” and wants to “create more winners with better overall odds.”
Here is an example of the spin Powerball is using to attract even more gamblers. Ernie Passailaigue, the Powerball Group Chairman and the Executive Director of the South Carolina Lottery says, “The price of a Powerball ticket remains unchanged at $1. Even though our players know that the cost of everything else has gone up since Powerball sales commenced over 16 years ago, we didn’t want to raise Powerball’s price in our current economy.”
Isn’t that considerate of Powerball? The people who run the jackpot lottery are so thoughtful, they are going a step further by letting you make the decision to spend even more on your tickets because there will be the option to play for bigger prizes for $2 by using Power Play. “We wanted to give our players the power to choose and with many of our newer member lotteries, more than half of our players have chosen the benefits of the $2 Power Play option,” said Passailaigue.
Changes to the game effective January 2009 include increasing the starting jackpot from $15 million to $20 million, and increasing the average jackpot from an expected average of $95.5 million to $141 million. Powerball promises bigger jackpots that will increase faster. The regular second-highest prize will be $1 million, but players will have to buy the Power Play option for an extra $1 and hit all the numbers except for the Powerball.
Powerball is instituting changes because Florida will become the 33rd state to join Powerball in January.
Currently, the odds of winning Powerball are 1 in 146.1 million. After Florida joins Powerball, the odds increase to 1 in 195.2 million. The long odds are the only sure thing about Powerball. Your chances of winning Powerball are slim to begin with and will become even more difficult.
Jackpots will be bigger and there probably will be more millionaires as a result of the Powerball changes. But there will be a great deal more losers as Florida joins Powerball come January.
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By Mary Lazich
Wednesday, Aug 20 2008, 12:13 PM
Here’s your chance.
The Muskego Teen Advisory Board is hosting a dunk tank for the community festival at Moorland Park this weekend. Proceeds will be used toward two sand volleyball courts at the park.
I will be the target in the dunk tank this Sunday, August 24, from 2-3 pm.
Please attend the community festival and try your skills. Dunk yours truly for a very good cause!
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By Mary Lazich
Friday, Aug 15 2008, 09:18 AM
Here is Exhibit A why Wisconsin is a tax hell and why I consistently vote against state budget and budget repair bills that increase taxes and spending.
The non-partisan Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance (WISTAX) reports, “Net property taxes in Wisconsin rose 5.7 percent in 2008, the largest increase since 2005, the year before the recent levy limits on municipalities and counties were imposed. The new study notes that 2006 property taxes here were ninth highest nationally and higher than those in all surrounding states.”
School levies increased the most, at 7.4 percent. County and municipal levy increases were limited to the greater of 3.86% or the increase in property values due to new construction. Due to the slowing real estate market, new construction growth around the state was only 2.5 percent. Even so, municipal property taxes increased by 5.0 percent, and county levies were up 4.5 percent.
Using the most recent figures from the U.S. Census Bureau, WISTAX found that Wisconsin property taxes, at 4.4 percent of personal income, were ninth highest in the nation.
Here is Exhibit B. The Tax Foundation in Washington D.C. has completed its annual report estimating the combined state-local tax burden of residents in all 50 states. It concluded that state-local tax burdens have declined due to income growth surpassing tax growth.
That is not the case, however, in Wisconsin. Every year, the Tax Foundation determines the percentage of income residents in each state pay in state and local taxes. Wisconsin ranks number 9 in the country for state and local tax burdens. Wisconsin’s rank was number 10 in 2007.
According to the Tax Foundation, Wisconsinites pay 10.2 percent of their income in state and local taxes. Wisconsin’s burden isn’t far from New Jersey that ranks number 1 with a state-local tax burden of 11.8 percent.
Surrounding states have lower state-local tax burdens than Wisconsin:
Minnesota: 10.2 percent (#12)
Michigan: 9.4 percent (#27)
Illinois: 9.3 percent (#30)
Iowa: 9.3 percent (#31)
One of the interesting parts of the report is a segment on states where the tax burden rankings have dropped the most:
“From 1977 to the present, South Dakota’s tax burden ranking has dropped 25 places from 20th highest to 45th, primarily by maintaining a zero rate on individual and corporate income. The tax burden ranking in Arizona has dropped 24 places from 17th highest to 41st, and the residents there now pay the tenth lowest tax burden. Most of the change came in the wake of a property tax limitation in 1980, and their ranking has changed little since.
Montana has dropped 22 places, primarily by maintaining a zero rate on general sales.
Colorado has dropped 19 places in the ranking over the last 30 years. It levies every major tax, but the rate on each is among the lowest in the country. Spending discipline in the form of a so-called TABOR (Taxpayer Bill of Rights) has helped the state keep tax rates low.
Two politically liberal states have dropped sharply: Oregon and Massachusetts. Oregon has done so by never enacting a sales tax, dropping 16 ranks from 10th highest to 26th. Massachusetts has dropped 17 places by imposing a property tax limitation and keeping a lid on its personal income tax rate, living down its ‘Taxachusetts’ nickname.”
While other states have found the right formulas, Wisconsin continues down the disastrous path of excessive taxing and spending.
Two months ago, I was skeptical of a Wisconsin State Journal article with a bold headline that proclaimed, “Wisconsin falls from ranks of top 10 highest-taxed states for first time since 1980.” Researchers at WISTAX and the University of Wisconsin said this would be only the second time since 1969 Wisconsin has not been in the top ten in taxes nationwide.
How did this happen? As the newspaper reported, “Wisconsin's taxes actually rose slightly in the fiscal year ended in June 2006 but those of other states rose more quickly.” Translation: You’re still paying high taxes, Wisconsin, and they’re not going down.
Judging from the latest reports on our tax climate, it is time to put the corks back in the champagne.
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By Mary Lazich
Thursday, Aug 14 2008, 06:06 PM
WEAC (The Wisconsin Education Association Council), the state teacher’s union has released its 2009-10 Legislative Agenda. Topping WEAC’s list of priorities is repealing the QEO (Qualified Economic Offer).
This is another reason the November election is critical. If Democrats maintain control of the state Senate and take back control of the state Assembly, a legislature controlled by Democrats along with Governor Doyle will kill the QEO. The result will be a property tax explosion.
Some background is in order. The QEO was instituted by the Legislature after angry taxpayers statewide demanded action be taken to stop the tidal wave of huge property tax increases. Since its inception, the QEO has helped keep property taxes from being even higher than they already are.
Under the QEO, the compensation package for teachers including salaries and benefits is to be limited to a 3.8 percent increase. Prior to the implementation of the QEO, settlement packages with teachers were much larger, forcing a tremendous burden on taxpayers.
According to data from the Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) that used figures from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, the average total teacher salary and benefit package increase in the years before the QEO was 8 percent during 1984-85, 8.4 percent during 1985-86, 7.7 percent during 1986-87, 7.4 percent during 1987-88, 7.1 percent during 1988-89, 7.3 percent during 1989-90, 7.4 percent during 1990-91 and 6.9 percent during both 1991-92 and 1992-93.
Enough was enough. Taxpayers protested. The Legislature heard and listened, and the QEO was adopted.
In reality, most school districts do not stay within the QEO, agreeing to settlements that surpass the 3.8 percent limit. The WASB reports that the average total package of salaries and benefits was 4.29 percent during 2006-07, 4.25 percent during 2005-06, and 4.31 percent during 2004-05. The percentages are higher than the rate of inflation, and more than likely are greater than increases provided in the private sector.
The QEO must remain intact. Without the QEO, spending and taxes will rise substantially, more people will leave their homes, more people will leave the state, and more jobs will be lost. We cannot afford to lose the QEO.
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By Mary Lazich
Thursday, Aug 14 2008, 07:19 AM
Proponents of large cigarette tax increases like to point to the additional revenue the tax hikes will bring in to the state Treasury. There is one problem with that assumption. What happens if many of the revenue sources, the cigarette smokers, stop smoking?
Maryland politicians are now dealing with that very scenario. While they begrudgingly admit some satisfaction with fewer cigarettes being sold in Maryland, they are less than thrilled that the smokers have simply gone to nearby Virginia where the cigarette tax is much cheaper. Maryland has lost sales and much-needed revenue and has reacted by making it a crime to carry two packs of cigarettes that weren't purchased in Maryland.
The Maryland experience demonstrates the folly of government depending on cigarette tax increases. Read more in the Wall Street Journal.
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