Wisconsin is in a competition for workers with forty-nine other states; that’s a competition we can’t afford to lose.
Hi, I’m State Senator Patrick Testin from Stevens Point. Labor Day celebrates the dignity in all work; it also reminds us that there’s a lot of work that needs to be done. According to the most recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Wisconsin has 182,000 job openings. For our economy to succeed, those jobs must be filled.
Attracting new talent is key. Data from multiple surveys indicates that higher tax states are losing population to states with low or no income tax. That’s why income tax reform is so vitally important.
Right now, our state’s tax climate is ranked 27th in the country. Wisconsin can’t lead from the middle. That’s why my Republican colleagues and I voted for a record $3.5 billion income tax cut in this year’s budget. Unfortunately, Governor Evers vetoed 95% of that tax cut. Instead of receiving a $250 tax cut, Wisconsin’s median income earner will now receive less than $50. If the Governor’s veto stands, Wisconsin’s tax climate will continue to languish in the middle, hurting our ability to compete for workers and to grow our economy.
We won’t let the story end there. The stakes are too high. My colleagues and I will continue to push for a tax cut that will help the middle class, give small business owners a break, and make our state more attractive for workers seeking a new opportunity.
This Labor Day, we’re working to get the job done here in Wisconsin. Be safe and have a great holiday weekend!
