Senate Republicans approved large income tax cuts Tuesday after a tense state Senate debate punctuated with Democratic disapproval.
The tax cuts come as part of Gov. Scott Walker’s “Blueprint for Prosperity,” which prioritizes putting money back into taxpayers’ pockets, according to state Republicans.
The cuts return approximately $500 million to taxpayers and delegate $35 million toward worker training programs.
Contention arose over a Democratic amendment that would eliminate the structural deficit of $658 million while remaining under the GOP proposal.
The Democratic amendment would also triple funding for worker training and eliminate cuts for the wealthiest taxpayers. Average homeowners would also see $231 in property tax savings as compared to $100 under the GOP proposal.
“[The proposal] is a stark contrast to the failed policies of the past that saddled our state with double-digit tax increases, billion dollar budget deficits and major job loss,” Walker said in a statement. “The facts show our historic reforms are working, and our state is in much better financial and economic shape than it was just four years ago.”
Democrats disagreed, with state Senate Minority Leader Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee, telling his colleagues to stop the “borrow and spend” trend that has become a Walker government hallmark and exhorting them to be more responsible.
Larson received support from numerous legislators who voiced their disapproval regarding the proposal.
State Sen. Lena Taylor, D-Milwaukee, reminded her colleagues the state’s debt stood at $213 million when Walker came to office and has increased to $658 million.
“Our state is hurting, and our economy is hurting,” Taylor said.
Further criticism came from state Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, D-Alma, who said the state should be more fiscally responsible.
“We are the stewards of the people’s money,” Vinehout said.
On the other hand, GOP legislators including state Sen. Mary Lazich, R-New Berlin, and Jerry Petrowski, R-Marathon, praised the Senate's decision.
“It is very simple; the hardworking citizens of our state should be able to keep more of their money and these tax cuts do just that,” Petrowski said in a Tuesday release.
The bill will move to Walker’s desk.
