|
Conservatively Speaking
State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin), whose district includes New Berlin, Franklin, Greendale, Hales Corners, and parts of Greenfield, 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, 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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
By Mary Lazich
Wednesday, Aug 13 2008, 12:45 PM
You will soon be hearings news that the deadline is fast approaching for signing up for Wisconsin’s first No Call List that will include cell phone numbers. In the previous legislative session, the legislature approved a bill that was signed into law allowing cell phone numbers on the popular No call List. The state puts out a No Call List quarterly. To get on the next list that comes out October 1, 2008, cell phone users must register their numbers by August 31, 2008.
Consumers can sign up for the list free of charge by calling 1-866-9NO-CALL . They can also register at the Wisconsin No Call List Web site.
Again, as I have stated in the past, while the new law gives cell phone users the option of registering their cell phone numbers, I urge thoughtful consideration.
Federal law prohibits telemarketers from using automated dialers to call cell phones. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises that you may put your personal cell phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry, and now you may soon have the option to place your cell phone number on Wisconsin's No Call List. However, there is generally not a reason to do so.
Registering your cell phone is unnecessary and a very bad idea. Cell phone numbers are unpublished. If you provide your cell phone number to the national do not call list, suddenly, it becomes a published number. The lists of numbers must be purchased by telemarketers so they can comply with the do not call registry. It would be extremely easy for unscrupulous entities and foreign, international entities to get their hands on the numbers. Your best bet is to avoid registering your cell phone.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a news release stating: "Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations prohibit telemarketers from using automated dialers to call cell phone numbers. Automated dialers are standard in the industry, so most telemarketers are barred from calling consumers on their cell phones without their consent. The national associations representing telemarketers have stated that their clients do not intend to start calling consumers' cell phones.”
I do suggest registering your residential land line number on Wisconsin's No Call List. You can sign up over the phone by calling 1-866-9NOCALL (1-866-966-2255), toll-free in Wisconsin or you can sign up at the Wisconsin No Call List website. Registration is free.
|
By Mary Lazich
Wednesday, Aug 13 2008, 07:45 AM
This morning I appeared with Jay Weber on Newstalk 1130 WISN to discuss the state’s idea of using service stations to perform emissions testing.
You can hear the interview here. Click on LISTEN under Hour 1, Part 2.
The audio will be available until Thursday morning at 7:00.
|
By Mary Lazich
Tuesday, Aug 12 2008, 02:20 PM
A constituent raised concerns to me about the state Department of Transportation’s (DOT) plans to allow auto repair shops to conduct auto emissions tests. A story about the DOT appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
The Journal Sentinel has also reported that repair shops wouldn’t get paid for emissions tests under the state program. That begs the question, what incentive there would be for shops to participate? The door is opened to fraud since the shops wouldn’t be paid, the only way to make money would be to find problems with a vehicle requiring repairs that might be questionable.
Because of the constituent’s concerns, I sent a letter to the DOT Secretary:
July 23, 2008
Frank Busalacchi
Secretary
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Dear Secretary Busalacchi,
A constituent expresses concern to me about the July 22, 2008, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article revealing that the Department of Transportation (DOT) would allow emissions testing at car repair shops. The constituent explains that New York allows car repair shops to emissions test, and that his son lives at New York and has been complaining about the practice for years. He explains the New York practice as a disaster.
In addition the constituent explains that it is a violation of state law and common sense to allow repair shops to test.
The newspaper article reveals an appeal to the state Department of Administration has blocked final approval of the contract.
Before DOT pursues any further efforts toward testing at car repair shops, I ask that you direct a thorough research of the New York program. Information indicates that this practice may not be in the best interest of Wisconsin residents.
I look forward to your reply. If you have any questions, please contact me.
Sincerely,
State Senator Mary Lazich
Copy: Governor James Doyle
I received the following response from Secretary Busalacchi:
August 8, 2008
The Honorable Mary Lazich
Wisconsin State Senator
State Capitol, Room 109S
Madison, WI 53707-7882
Dear Senator Lazich:
I am writing in response to your constituent’s concerns regarding a pending vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance (I/M) program transition. Your constituent had questioned the legality of using a “hybrid” I/M program – in which a network of contractor-owned stations that perform only emissions inspections (no repairs) is augmented with a network of subcontractor-owned private inspection and repair facilities (PIFs) – in Wisconsin, and had cited concerns with such a program in the state of New York.
New York’s vehicle inspection program is not a hybrid program. It is a fully decentralized program; that is, each inspection facility is privately owned and operated and all facilities provide both emissions inspection and repair. We have specifically avoided using a fully decentralized program in Wisconsin because fraud is both more common and more difficult to control than in centralized and hybrid programs.
In our planned new program, Southeastern Wisconsin’s motorists would have the option of using one of twenty-five private repair facilities to obtain their emission test; they would also have the option of continuing to visit a contractor owned emission test only facility if they prefer. The proposed changes to this program are designed to enhance the choices and convenience available to motorists.
The award of a new contract for this program is currently under review by the Wisconsin Department of Administration. During this review by DOA, it is inappropriate for the department to make specific comments regarding our legal arguments, or those of any vendor. I am, however, confident in the analysis of the department’s legal team on this matter.
If you have questions about the department’s contracting procedures, please contact Steve Martinelli in our Purchasing Office at (608) 267-4480. Questions about the existing emission inspection program may be directed to Chuck Rhodes, I/M Unit Supervisor, at (414) 266-1084.
Sincerely,
Frank Busalacchi
Secretary I will be a guest on the Jay Weber program on Newstalk 1130 WISN Wednesday morning at 6:40 to discuss this issue.
|
By Mary Lazich
Tuesday, Aug 12 2008, 01:11 PM
You may recall during May 2007, I was interviewed extensively for an investigative report by Fox 6 Milwaukee about meter ramps. Part of my frustration is the unnecessary amount of time spent idling in line on a ramp waiting for the light to change.
A Michigan woman took her disgust even further in what is being called a first. She complained via e-mail to the state. Nothing unusual there, but then she sent the Michigan Department of Transportation a bill for the estimated gas she thinks she wasted idling in traffic.
Here are all the details of this story.
|
By Mary Lazich
Friday, Aug 8 2008, 10:38 AM
The health of Wisconsin needs serious improvement. I am speaking from a cultural rather than a physical perspective.
Taking a cue from William Bennett’s The Index of Leading Cultural Indicators, the Wisconsin Family Council (WFC) has released Wisconsin Cultural Indicators, a comprehensive review of Wisconsin trends in various social and cultural categories. The CEO of WFC, Julaine Appling writes the report shows how these indicators, “impact Wisconsin’s best natural resource: her traditional families.”
Here are some of the unhealthy findings:
- During 2006, there were 6,100 births to women age 19 and under in Wisconsin, and almost 9 out of 10 of these births were to unmarried women.
- During 2006, 1 out of every 3 babies born in Wisconsin was to an unmarried mother.
- A total of 498,429 reported abortions occurred in Wisconsin between 1974, the year following Roe v. Wade, and 2007.This figure is greater than the combined populations of Madison, Green Bay, Racine, and Eau Claire. In 2007, there were 8,267 abortions, or an average of about 23 abortions a day in Wisconsin. During 2007, 77 percent of the abortions performed in this state were to women never married.
- Since 1980, the marriage rate has decreased 34 percent in Wisconsin, primarily due to cohabitation.
- The divorce rate in Wisconsin has increased steadily since the enactment of no-fault divorce legislation in 1978. Over half of the divorces granted in Wisconsin in 2007 involved children under the age of 18.
- The majority of domestic abuse incidents occur outside of a marital relationship in Wisconsin.
- Since 1997, the overall number of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) has increased steadily in Wisconsin.
- During 2004 and 2005, Wisconsin ranked 1st in the nation in underage drinking (those between the ages of 12 and 20).
- Since 1960, the adult prison population in Wisconsin has increased 8 fold, and between 2000 and 2005, there was a 66.7 percent increase in the adult prison population.
- Between 1997 and 2006, there was an 84.7 percent increase in the amount of money wagered at Wisconsin casinos on Indian reservations. During 2006, $16 billion was wagered at casinos on reservations, or about $2,855 per person in the state of Wisconsin during 2006. Recent research reveals a relationship between the presence of casino gambling in a community and an increase in crime rates in Wisconsin. The 2001 study, published in a peer-reviewed journal found that the opening of a casino in a county increased the total number of index crime arrests in that county (violent and non-violent) by 8.6 percent and non-index crime arrests by 14.8 percent.
There is some good news:
- Between 1997 and 2007, there was a 40 percent decline in the number of arrests of juveniles in Wisconsin.
- Wisconsin students continue to score above the national average on ACT and SAT tests.
- The high school dropout has steadily decreased since peaking in the 1970’s.
- During the 1984-85 school year, there were 966 home-school students in Wisconsin. This number increased to 20, 743 during the 2004-05 school year, suggesting parents are increasingly exercising some of the school choice options available.
I have a keen interest in the following finding. The birth rate among Wisconsin teenagers aged 15 to 19 has decreased nearly 17 percent in the last decade. During 2004, Wisconsin’s birth rate among 15-19 year olds was nearly 27 percent below the national average.
The WFC says, “The decline in the teenage pregnancy rate can be attributed to abstinence and abstinence education programs. An April 2003 study in Adolescent Family and Health found that 67 percent of the decrease in teen pregnancy rate among women between the ages of 15 and 19 can be attributed to abstinence.”
The WFC also makes reference to a bill I authored during the 2005 legislative session that became law: “In 2005, the Wisconsin state legislature passed a bill that requires all public schools that teach human growth and development to stress ‘abstinence from sexual activity as the preferred choice of behavior in relationship to all sexual activity’ and that ‘abstinence from sexual activity before marriage is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases…’”
Progress has been made in some areas but for the sake of our families, there clearly is room for significant improvement in others. I agree with Julaine Appling that this extensive report can be an excellent guide for policy and decision makers.
The WFC report can be found here.
|
By Mary Lazich
Thursday, Aug 7 2008, 12:50 PM
I signed on to a letter sent to the United States Congress with copies to the Wisconsin Congressional delegation and Governor Doyle regarding the high price of gasoline. It reads:
Members of the Congress of the United States of America
July 28, 2008
We the undersigned, as members of the Wisconsin State Legislature, along with our constituencies, are very concerned about the increasing price of oil and gasoline, as well as its effect on the economy of our state and of the United States as a whole. Resources available within the United States and in surrounding coastal regions are not being adequately utilized. Our reliance upon foreign sources of energy leaves us vulnerable to both market fluctuations in price and potential fuel shortfalls. Further, we are concerned that the resulting transfer of wealth to nations unfriendly to the United States is occurring at an ever-increasing rate. We hereby petition the Congress of the United States of America to repeal the current moratorium on offshore and domestic oil drilling.
The letter is signed by 19 state legislators.
Since 1982, a federal law prohibits offshore drilling in all states except Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas and parts of Alaska and California. Record-setting gas and oil prices show the clear need to utilize new sources of energy, especially drilling in our own country.
Last month, officials in Louisiana gave a tour to visiting state legislators to demonstrate that offshore drilling can be done without harming the environment. Louisiana and three other Gulf Coast states signed an agreement with oil companies and environmental groups to push environmentally friendly drilling.
It can be done, so what are we waiting for?
Stateline has more.
|
By Mary Lazich
Wednesday, Aug 6 2008, 12:58 PM
Wisconsin high school students have a long, proud history of exceptional performance on ACT tests, registering some of the highest scores in the country. That is the good news. The bad news is that despite performing well on ACT tests, many Wisconsin high schoolers remain unprepared for college.
The non-partisan Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance (WISTAX) has found that only 29 percent of the state’s 46,430 students tested in 2007 met ACT college-readiness benchmarks in core subjects.
According to WISTAX, “More than three-fourths of the Badger State students were prepared for a college English composition course (77% vs. 69% nationally), but results were lower in social science (60% vs. 53% nationally), college algebra (53% vs. 43%), and college biology (37% vs. 28%). Combining all four subjects, only 29% of 2007 Wisconsin high school graduates were likely to succeed in all four subjects.”
Even the state’s best students fall into this category. WISTAX found, “Between one- and two-fifths of Wisconsin’s most advanced students—those taking classes well beyond the core, i. e., four or more years of classes in all areas, including calculus—were not college ready: English (18%), math (22%), social studies (35%), and science (43%).”
ACT discovered the problem in Wisconsin is the high school curriculum has an inadequate “quality and Intensity” for college preparedness.
Wisconsin students, while faring better than their national counterparts, are following a country-wide trend of high school graduates lacking the skills needed for college. Instructors at colleges and universities have noticed, and even students concede the finding is true.
According to a 2005 survey done by the non-partisan group, Achieve, “As many as 40 percent of the nation's high school graduates say they are inadequately prepared to deal with the demands of employment and postsecondary education, putting their own individual success and the nation's economic growth in peril. More than 80 percent of high school graduates say they would work harder, take tougher courses, if they could do high school over again.”
The survey found agreement that the bar is set too low in high school for students and that expectations and standards need to be higher.
Here are details on the Achieve survey. The Cato Institute also prepared a report based on the Achieve findings.
Wisconsin students still score well on ACT tests and exceed the national average. However, the WISTAX findings show our high school students can and must do better.
|
By Mary Lazich
Tuesday, Aug 5 2008, 10:47 AM
Under state law, every August 7 is designated as Purple Heart Day. Wisconsin State Statutes s. 14.16 (11) says:
"The governor shall annually proclaim August 7 as Purple Heart Day and urge the people and organizations of the state to display the American flag on that day as a public expression of the recognition of those individuals who have been wounded or killed in action preserving the freedoms that all United States citizens cherish.”
Why August 7?
General George Washington liked to reward soldiers of outstanding valor with a commission or rank promotion until he was ordered to stop in 1782 by the Continental Congress for economic reasons. Washington wanted another means of bestowing a special honor upon his men and came up with it, described in his written General Order issued on August 7, 1782:
"The General, ever desirous to cherish virtuous ambition in his soldiers as well as foster and encourage every species of military merit, directs that whenever any singularly meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings, over his left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth or silk edged with narrow lace or binding. Not only instances of unusual gallantry but also of extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way shall meet with due reward... The name and regiment of the persons so certified are to be enrolled in a Book of Merit which shall be kept in the orderly room...”
General Douglas MacArthur came up with the idea of reviving Washington’s medal and the War Department unveiled the new award on February 22, 1932, in honor of Washington’s Bicentennial. The oldest military honor, the Purple Heart is awarded today for being wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States or as a result of an act by any such enemy or enemy forces. President Kennedy took action to expand the award to any civilian national of the United States, and President Reagan extended eligibility to those wounded in international terrorist attacks.
Originally designed by Washington as a cloth medal, the Purple Heart today shows a heart stamped from bronze, plated with gold, hanging from a purple and white ribbon.
On May 26, 2004, two of my constituents in Senate District 28 were presented the Purple Heart by Governor Jim Doyle: Susan Sonnheim of Franklin and Troy Tuschel of Hales Corners.
Sgt. Susan K. Sonnheim was injured when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated while she was on patrol in Baghdad Sept. 23, 2003. She was the first female soldier in the history of the Wisconsin National Guard to be awarded a Purple Heart.
Photo/Dave Haberkorn
Parade marshal Sgt. Susan Sonnheim waves to the crowd during Franklin's 2008 Fourth of July parade
Sgt. Troy J. Tuschel was wounded by an IED in Baghdad Oct. 15, 2003.
Journal/Sentinel photo taken by Tuschel family
Troy Tuschel next to a Humvee in Iraq, where he was deployed with his unit in March 2003.
The Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel printed amazing stories about both of these Purple Heart recipients. Read about Sonnheim and Tuschel.
Read more about the Purple Heart here.
Remember, August 7 is Purple Heart Day in Wisconsin. God bless our Purple Heart recipients and all our brave men and women in the Armed Forces!
|
By Mary Lazich
Monday, Aug 4 2008, 04:35 PM
The state of Wisconsin is blessed to have the services of the outstanding, non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau(LFB). The 16 members of the LFB gather fiscal and program information and analyses, and provide it to the Wisconsin Legislature, its committees, and members of the state Senate and Assembly. Their work is invaluable to the state of Wisconsin.
The LFB is under the stellar leadership of Bob Lang. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Capitol Bureau Chief Steve Walters has written a wonderful profile of Lang for the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Lang is very deserving of this tribute that you can read here.
|
By Mary Lazich
Monday, Aug 4 2008, 02:13 PM
The Tax Foundation in Washington D.C. released a report, using Internal Revenue Service data, showing the amount residents of each income group in each state send to Washington each year. Here are some of the numbers for Wisconsin.
Federal Income Taxes paid by Wisconsin by Adjusted Gross Income Percentile 2006 in $millions:
TOTAL: $16, 278
TOP 1%: $5,753
TOP 2-5%: $2,997
TOP 5%: $8,750
TOP 6-10%: $1,697
TOP 10%: $10,447
TOP 11-25%: $2,765
TOP 25%: $13,212
TOP 26-50%: $2,294
TOP 50%: $15,506
BOTTOM 50%: $772
Percentile’s Share of Federal Income Taxes paid by Wisconsin, 2006
TOTAL: 100%
TOP 1%: 35.34%
TOP 2-5%: 18.41%
TOP 5%: 53.75%
TOP 6-10%: 10.43%
TOP 10%: 64.18%
TOP 11-25%: 16.99%
TOP 25%: 81.16%
TOP 26-50%: 14.09%
TOP 50%: 95.26%
BOTTOM 50%: 4.74%
Here are the numbers for the United States.
Federal Income Taxes paid by the United States by Adjusted Gross Income Percentile 2006 in $millions:
TOTAL: $999,506
TOP 1%: $394,066
TOP 2-5%: $203,797
TOP 5%: $597,863
TOP 6-10%: $106,327
TOP 10%: $704,190
TOP 11-25%: $156,205
TOP 25%: $860,395
TOP 26-50%: $108,066
TOP 50%: $968,461
BOTTOM 50%: $31,045
Percentile’s Share of Federal Income Taxes paid by the United States, 2006
TOTAL: 100%
TOP 1%: 39.43%
TOP 2-5%: 20.39%
TOP 5%: 59.82%
TOP 6-10%: 10.64%
TOP 10%: 70.45%
TOP 11-25%: 15.63%
TOP 25%: 86.08%
TOP 26-50%: 10.81%
TOP 50%: 96.89%
BOTTOM 50%: 3.11%
The data reveals higher income filers are paying their fair share in taxes. I advise a healthy dose of skepticism anytime you hear an argument that the wealthy should pay more taxes because they don’t pay enough. Here is the new Tax Foundation report.
Last November, I wrote a blog on taxes entitled, America’s wealthy paying more than their fair share. According to a report at the time by the Tax Foundation in Washington D.C., I wrote, “America’s richest 25 percent of taxpayers paid about 86 percent of all federal income taxes in 2005, despite earning only 67 percent of the nation’s income. The highest-earning 1 percent alone—those earning more than $364,657—paid a staggering 39.4 percent of all federal income taxes, despite earning just 21 percent of the nation’s income. That means the top 1 percent of tax returns paid about the same amount of federal income tax as the bottom 95 percent of tax returns combined.”
The Tax Foundation has released an updated report using Internal Revenue Service data on individual income taxes from calendar year 2006. The results are the same: the wealthy are carrying a very heavy tax load.
The Tax Foundation reports, “This year's numbers show that both the income share earned by the top 1 percent of tax returns and the tax share paid by that top 1 percent have once again reached all-time highs. In 2006, the top 1 percent of tax returns paid 39.9 percent of all federal individual income taxes and earned 22.1 percent of adjusted gross income, both are significantly higher than 2004 when the top 1 percent earned 19 percent of adjusted gross income (AGI) and paid 36.9 percent of federal individual income taxes.”
Here’s another interesting finding from the report: “The top-earning 25 percent of taxpayers (AGI over $64,702) earned 68.2 percent of the nation's income, but they paid more than four out of every five dollars collected by the federal income tax (86.3 percent). The top 1 percent of taxpayers (AGI over $388,806) earned approximately 22.1 percent of the nation's income (as defined by AGI), yet paid 39.9 percent of all federal income taxes. That means the top 1 percent of tax returns paid about the same amount of federal individual income taxes as the bottom 95 percent of tax returns.”
You can read the entire report here.
The Wall Street Journal also has an editorial.
|
By Mary Lazich
Monday, Aug 4 2008, 08:37 AM
Grady Fitzgerald’s Eagle Scout ceremony was held on Saturday, August 2, 2008.
My office prepared a state citation for Grady Fitzgerald. It reads:
Whereas, Grady J. Fitzgerald is a member of the Boy Scouts of America Troop 152, and through dedication and commitment, attained the rank of Eagle Scout; and
Whereas, Grady J. Fitzgerald’s Eagle Scout project included building a retaining wall for a planter at Old World Wisconsin; and
Whereas, Grady J. Fitzgerald earned 21 merit badges, and served his troop in the leadership positions of Patrol Leader and Junior Assistant Scout Master; and
Whereas, Grady J. Fitzgerald is a 2008 graduate of Mukwonago High School, and was a member of German Club, Orchestra, Swim Team, volunteered with Special Olympics and tutored students in German; and
Whereas, Grady J. Fitzgerald plans to attend the University of Wisconsin, Waukesha; now
Therefore, the members of the Wisconsin State Senate on the motion of Senator Mary Lazich, commend Grady J. Fitzgerald for outstanding dedication and service to scouting. Grady J. Fitzgerald is further commended for successfully completing the requirements necessary to attain the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honorable rank awarded by the Boy Scouts of America.
|
By Mary Lazich
Friday, Aug 1 2008, 03:09 PM
Once again, I am volunteering at the popular New Berlin Lions Club Corn Roast Stand at the Wisconsin State Fair.
It was a pleasure volunteering opening day at the fair Thursday, and assisting the New Berlin Lions Club Corn Roast Stand selling 6,103 ears of corn. The opening day total for 2008 exceeded last year’s opening day tally of 5,542 ears of corn sold.
Not only is the New Berlin Lions Club roast corn tasty, it is very good for you. MSN.com reports roast corn on the cob is one of the best theme park foods:
“There’s not much that the cooks can do to spoil this snack. Whether it’s boiled, steamed or grilled, an ear of corn delivers just 201 calories and 1 gram of fat. Of course, dousing it in butter will add significant fat, and loading it with salt will up your sodium intake. ‘But it’s a whole grain, it’s high in fiber and it has a natural sweetness—the combination may make you feel full and satisfied enough to resist other more fattening treats,’ says Gidus.” (Tara Gidus, R.D., spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association)
Read more from MSN.
|
By Mary Lazich
Thursday, Jul 31 2008, 11:38 AM
Every county in Senate District 28 that I represent has been declared a state of disaster by Governor Jim Doyle. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is offering assistance to individuals in our area experiencing flood damage. The deadline to apply for assistance has been extended to September 15, 2008. The deadline had been August 13, 2008.
You can apply for assistance at the FEMA website here.
The Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel has more information.
|
By Mary Lazich
Monday, Jul 28 2008, 04:30 PM
American motorists may have finally hit the tipping point when it comes to high gas prices affecting their driving habits. The Wall Street Journal says a report out today by the U.S. Transportation Department shows that during the past seven months, Americans have slashed their driving by more than 40 billion miles.
The biggest decline in miles driven came in the North Central part of the country including Wisconsin. During May 2008, motorists in this region drove 57. 2 billion miles, a reduction of 4.5 percent from the previous year.
Dramatically fewer miles driven means less federal gas tax revenue, setting up a debate in Congress about how to address the shortfall. Some of the ideas that could be considered in Washington include more toll roads and mass transit programs, delaying numerous projects, and a potential increase in the federal gas tax, though such a move would be very unpopular given the current price of gas.
Here are more details from the Wall Street Journal.
|
By Mary Lazich
Monday, Jul 28 2008, 03:27 PM
By Mary Lazich
Monday, Jul 28 2008, 02:24 PM
Governor Doyle’s Global Warming Task Force has completed work and issued a final report. After 16 months, the Task Force has submitted dozens of recommendations for mandates and regulations. Unfortunately, the mandates and regulations are likely to have high costs and are not likely to result in any change to our weather or climate and will only hurt Wisconsin residents and the state’s economy.
Here are highlights from the Task Force’s final report from the Department of Natural Resources website.
State Representative Jim Ott (R-Mequon), a former WTMJ-TV meteorologist has studied this issue extensively and has an outstanding news release critical of the Task Force’s recommendations. You can read Representative Ott’s release here.
|
By Mary Lazich
Monday, Jul 28 2008, 12:55 PM
I must admit I was taken aback when I read the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel that Milwaukee is negotiating with New Berlin to sell Milwaukee water. The price tag would be hefty $1.5 million one time fee in addition to actual costs.
During the lengthy deliberations about the Great Lakes Compact, I made it clear that despite my reservations, I supported an effective document that was good for the Great Lakes, the state of Wisconsin, and would preserve our greatest natural resource.
Time and time again, I heard Compact proponents make the case that the Compact would address the water needs of New Berlin. The conventional wisdom was that the Compact needed to be approved quickly, and if it was, New Berlin’s water woes would be taken care of. Making those arguments were city of Milwaukee officials from Mayor Tom Barrett on down. They claimed the city of Milwaukee would no longer have issues with New Berlin getting water if Wisconsin would simply okay the Compact.
It seems that isn’t the case. Wisconsin has approved the Compact, but for the city of Milwaukee, on this critical public health issue, it’s still business as usual, imposing a hefty price tag for a community in desperate need of water. For the city of Milwaukee, it was never about the Compact. It was and remains a question of money and control over a suburb to the west.
|
More Posts Next page »
The opinions and views expressed by Community Voice writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Journal Interactive, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel or Community Newspapers. MyCommunityNow.com does not control, is not responsible for, and does not guarantee the accuracy, integrity or quality of, the postings on this Web log. Readers can report objectionable content by clicking here.
|
|
