In the three months since the 2009-11 budget was passed, I've heard from many area residents with concerns over how this budget is going to affect them. With an overall spending increase of more than 6 percent, and more than $2 billion in tax increases, it is clear why taxpayers are concerned. The spending and tax increases, along with poor accounting practices and the continuation of a $ 2 billion deficit, all were main reasons why I did not vote for the budget.
Beginning Sept. 1, all Wisconsin residents will start paying a new phone tax. This is one of the tax increases that were included in the state budget, which I opposed, in order to pay for the $3.63 billion increase in state spending. If you have a cell phone, land line, or Internet connection, you will now pay a 75 cent "fee" charged on each of these lines per month.
The creators of this new fee have named it the "Police & Fire Protection Fund." Unfortunately, this title is misleading. The $107 million in tax dollars collected from this new tax actually will go toward funding a newly created state position, and toward paying county and municipal aid. There is no requirement that any of this money be used to fund police or fire departments.
In addition to this new 75 cent charge, the budget also increased the Wisconsin Universal Service Fee (USF). When taking into consideration all of the taxes and fees, 20 percent of your total phone bill is made up of taxes and fees.
Overall, as a state we need to be focused on policies that will lead to economic recovery. This new tax will do nothing to foster economic development or create jobs in our area. That is why I opposed the phone tax during the budget debate, and actually supported an amendment to remove the fee. U
nfortunately, the new tax was approved and is part of the state budget that passed, and now everyone who owns a phone will be paying even more.
I want to hear from you, so please feel welcome to express your thoughts or let me know if I can be helpful to you in any way by calling 888-534-0080, e-mailing me at Rep.Davis@legis.wi.gov or by writing or stopping by 11 West, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53708.
It is an honor serving the residents of the 80th District in the State Assembly!
- Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, serves the 80th Assembly District, which includes all of Green County and parts of Lafayette, Rock and Dane counties.
Beginning Sept. 1, all Wisconsin residents will start paying a new phone tax. This is one of the tax increases that were included in the state budget, which I opposed, in order to pay for the $3.63 billion increase in state spending. If you have a cell phone, land line, or Internet connection, you will now pay a 75 cent "fee" charged on each of these lines per month.
The creators of this new fee have named it the "Police & Fire Protection Fund." Unfortunately, this title is misleading. The $107 million in tax dollars collected from this new tax actually will go toward funding a newly created state position, and toward paying county and municipal aid. There is no requirement that any of this money be used to fund police or fire departments.
In addition to this new 75 cent charge, the budget also increased the Wisconsin Universal Service Fee (USF). When taking into consideration all of the taxes and fees, 20 percent of your total phone bill is made up of taxes and fees.
Overall, as a state we need to be focused on policies that will lead to economic recovery. This new tax will do nothing to foster economic development or create jobs in our area. That is why I opposed the phone tax during the budget debate, and actually supported an amendment to remove the fee. U
nfortunately, the new tax was approved and is part of the state budget that passed, and now everyone who owns a phone will be paying even more.
I want to hear from you, so please feel welcome to express your thoughts or let me know if I can be helpful to you in any way by calling 888-534-0080, e-mailing me at Rep.Davis@legis.wi.gov or by writing or stopping by 11 West, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53708.
It is an honor serving the residents of the 80th District in the State Assembly!
- Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, serves the 80th Assembly District, which includes all of Green County and parts of Lafayette, Rock and Dane counties.
