Madison – Today, State Senator Dan Knodl (R-Germantown) voted to override three gubernatorial vetoes: a middle-class income tax cut on income between $25,520-$280,950 (individual) and $34,040-$374,600 (married filing jointly), a veto triggering a 400-year annual property tax increase, and a consumer protection bill he introduced prohibiting local governments from infringing on energy choice.
He issued the following statement:
“My votes today are in solidarity with the many Wisconsin citizens who are struggling and in desperate need of a tax break. Governor Evers’ irresponsible budget veto of the middle-class tax cut reveals that he would rather hold your money indefinitely instead of returning our historic surplus to the taxpayers. The 400-year property tax increase he created with his veto pen also demonstrates that he is not serious about working with the legislature to pass meaningful tax reform.”
Senate Bill 49, which Senator Knodl introduced with Senator Julian Bradley (R-Franklin), is the first successful veto override vote taken in the State Senate since 2006. The bill prohibits state and local governments from restricting utility service connections based on the utility’s source of energy, such as natural gas. 24 other states have enacted similar legislation with bipartisan support in each, and it has been signed into law by governors of both parties.
Senator Knodl:
“Senate Bill 49 allows the free market to do its work and allows Wisconsin to maintain a balanced energy mix. If new energy sources eventually displace existing energy sources, they should do so on their merits, not because of a government mandate. The initial bill passed the State Assembly on a voice vote, I am hopeful that my Assembly colleagues will swiftly vote to override the veto and protect their constituents’ energy bills.”
All three override votes passed the State Senate 22-11 and are now in the State Assembly.
