Governor Doyle’s Budget Makes Me Yell “Yes”
Though I often support and agree with Governor Doyle, I never have found myself going “yes” while watching one of his budget addresses before. That all changed on Tuesday night. Perhaps for the first time I truly felt that Wisconsin’s Governor understood what it meant to be a Democrat, and also what it meant to use the power of his office to effect change in the state. Perhaps the enormity of the national economic crisis that impacts our state has finally brought him to this point. Last night as he addressed the State Legislature I thought he looked like a leader. I might add, he looks good in that role.
I yelled “yes” when Governor Doyle announced that he proposed creating a new tax bracket for the wealthiest 1 percent of Wisconsinites. This is an item that was long overdue in light of the financial crunching that our state often finds itself. As a result of this proposal about $312 million over the next two years would be generated. It is time that those with the most assist with repairing the economy. After all, it was those same people who benefited much over the past years with, in my estimation, a very lop-sided tax code.
I yelled “yes” when Doyle announced a 75 cent cigarette tax increase, as this will make it more difficult for younger people to start, or continue smoking. I applaud the use of policy to promote social aims, and in this case anything that limits smoking is a winner for all Wisconsinites. The cost to our state from medical problems due to smoking can be reduced by this move. In addition, I was pleased that Doyle will use the budget process to put in place a statewide ban on smoking in public places. For too long there has been more talk than action on this matter. It is right that Doyle wants our state to join with the others that have moved in this direction. Using the tools of government in this fashion for a better society is to be applauded.
I really yelled “yes” when the Governor made a correct moral choice, and added some legal protections to same-sex domestic partners. This blog has been often posting about these types of ideas, and I am proud that Doyle included workplace leaves to care for a partner, and allowing hospital visits, along with other items. Equally important his proposal would also allow state workers, including UW-Madison employees, to add their partners for state health insurance coverage. I have long championed this cause. This was a brave and correct course of action.
You were certainly right that, “Wisconsin’s Governor understood what it meant to be a Democrat, and also what it meant to use the power of his office to effect change in the state.”
But this is exactly the problem. Doyle trotted out the tired formula of predictable spending increases for Democratic causes, coupled with tax increases on the wealthy, which rare the easiest to demagogue. Combine with these some largesse from the Feds, wait two years, and we have another budget crisis.
Unprecedented times call for new thinking. This certainly wasn’t it.
another peice of crap budget. Insted of watching the spending lets tax the rich and another Corprate tax increas. Hope more businesses leave this crappy state.
Very interesting, like all figureheads, sometimes yes, and sometimes no. The long term effects are nothing more than what has been happening acros WIS. Take the money and go play somewhere else. This is the entrepreneurs theme. In time, a new tax bracket will cause those whose incomes are in it, to arrange another place to live. These statistics arent often available to the public or created lest they would show a trend of very bad top management in this state for a very long time. The most significant thing to remember from any state employee, elected or otherwise is where there paycheck comes from. So another band aid until the pension kicks in is most appropro for a lifetime politician. In any analysis, it is always a personal concern and shows more clearly in some than others.
Cut taxes for once!
Dude, where have you been?
Lots of folks who work hard know that the rich are not taxed at the level they should be. We also know that corp. taxes in this state are not as high as they should be. So if you feel that you are paying too much in taxes just know that you are making it easier for some fat-cats to rest a little better tonight. They are the ones you need to rant to.
Are you kidding me, the last thing this state or anyone “rich or poor” need is higher taxes. You must think everyone has bottomless pockets or you are a person living off the backs of us who work. Get real, other states have less than 50% of our budget and do better than we do here. Every time that idiot of a governor opens his mouth it is only to raise taxes. In this economy he want another 1.5 billion in spending on top of the enormous deficit. Why is government the only ones who never spend less? because they have never had real jobs or ever had to work instead living off the government in a position that affords him the luxury of raping us to live, pay off his special interests and but elections!
CUT TAXES FOR ONCE! We all have to cut back because of the economy which his liberal buddies created! Why not the government?
Scream yes, you dumb !!!!
Interesting perspective and I totally disagree. I believe that the governor is setting up the state for even deeper debt that my children will have to pay off. He is going to alienate businesses even more and that will lead to more having to close their doors or leave the state to survive.