Lawmakers in Wisconsin queued up a big win for workers who earn overtime pay (and tips) in the form of a bill to match Trump's federal tax breaks, but that's as far as it went. Some would say it wasn't quite as good of a deal as it appeared...or was the Governor just cranky that day? We're serving it up for you to decide!
Here are Five Fast Facts on the death of tax breaks in Wisconsin:
- 🛑 Tax Break Not Happening - The bill would have let workers skip paying state income tax on up to $25,000 in tips and $12,500 (single) or $25,000 (joint) in overtime pay, but Gov. Evers vetoed both ideas.
- 🧮 The Math Ain't Mathin' - Gov. Evers argued that the bill was unfair - a salaried worker and an hourly worker making the same amount (like $35,000) shouldn’t pay different taxes just because one earns overtime and the other doesn’t. But wouldn't it be better to benefit at least some taxpayers rather than none? Just asking for a friend.
- 🙈 Who's In Charge? - Gov. Evers also objected to the fact that the state bill followed the direction of the federal law. Apparently it's “monkey see, monkey NOT do.”
- 💸 Big Money - The overtime tax break alone would have cost the state about $474 million through 2028. Supporters say things like lower spending and increased economic activity would have made up for the loss. Alas, now we'll never know!
- 😒 Veto Spree - Gov. Evers vetoed over 20 bills at the same time, including these tax breaks, bills on immigration, and removal of the infamous "400-year veto." Maybe he was just feeling "nope" in general that day!
🔥Bottom line: We're fully in support of putting more of everyday folks' hard earned cash back in their pockets, and lower taxes is a great way to do that! Supporters of these vetoes say Gov. Evers protected “fairness” and state control, while critics say he blocked helpful tax relief. The bottom line is that a chance to pay less in taxes just evaporated like beer and brats at a Lambeau Field tailgate.
Do you think this was the right call?
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