WI Senate Passes Bill Making it Harder to Raise Taxes

By: Associated Press

Posted: Tue 2:51 PM, Feb 08, 2011

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The Wisconsin state Senate has passed a bill that would make it much more difficult to raise sales or income taxes.

The bill passed by the Republican-controlled Senate 20-12 on Tuesday would require a two-thirds vote to raise taxes, instead of a simple majority. That means if all 33 senators are present, 22 of them would have to vote yes to raise sales or income taxes.

The measure has already passed the Assembly. Republican Gov. Scott Walker proposed the measure.

Democratic critics say it's essentially meaningless since it doesn't prevent lawmakers from raising fees or a host of other taxes other than sales or income.

Sen. Julie Lassa of Stevens Point was the only Democrat to vote for it.

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