MADISON, WI…Legislation authored by Senator André Jacque (New Franken) to exempt taxes on qualified tips in Wisconsin passed the State Assembly today on a vote of 61-33.
The initiative to eliminate the income tax on tips has been introduced and championed by Senator Jacque since 2019, and was the first proposal of its kind in the nation. Under Assembly Bill 38, Wisconsin law would mirror President Donald Trump’s tax exemption on tips enacted last year. Representative Ron Tusler (Harrison) is the lead author in the Assembly. The first $25,000 in cash or charged tips received would be exempt under the bill.
“Tax relief provided by AB 38 will help high school students, young adults working their way through college, parents from single income homes and many others among Wisconsin’s working class who depend upon income they receive from tips in exchange for excellent service,” said Jacque.
Recent polling has shown broad support for Wisconsin eliminating the income tax on tips, including 79 percent Republicans and Independents, and 76 percent of Democrats.
“Eliminating taxes on tips has broad bi-partisan support, and was endorsed by both major presidential candidates in the last election, and passed unanimously by the U.S. Senate last year,” said Jacque. “I was pleased to see Governor Tony Evers include my ‘No Tax on Tips’ proposal in his initial budget request last year, and I look forward to him signing the initiative into law.”
Also passing the Assembly Thursday was Assembly Bill 377. Authored along with Representative Dave Murphy (Hortonville), this legislation would make English Wisconsin’s official state language. Over 30 states currently have made English their official state language and polling has repeatedly shown widespread support across all demographic groups. This bill requires official state and local government business to be conducted in English, and allows the use of technology such as Zoom and AI in assisting those in Wisconsin who lack fluency in English.
“There is widespread agreement in our country that English proficiency is critical to societal integration and future success at achieving the American dream,” said Jacque. “This bill simply affirms that English serves as the common thread that enables individuals from diverse backgrounds to engage fully in American life.”
Both AB 38 and AB 377 must now pass the full Senate before being sent to the governor for final consideration.
Senator André Jacque represents Northeast Wisconsin’s First Senate District, consisting of Door and Kewaunee Counties and portions of Brown, Calumet, Manitowoc, and Outagamie counties.
