I am subscribed to Senator Chris Kapenga’s Weekly Updates. His May 22nd issue led off with “Wisconsin Voters Want to Eliminate the State Income Tax.” I had to reply. I just couldn’t help myself:
Good morning, Senator,
I am MORE than skeptical of governments changing tax systems….i.e. moving from a state income tax to another form of taxation. It’s always a shell game…….”How can we fool the voters today?”
Tell me, has any of these types of changes (anywhere) resulted in LESS TAX DOLLARS being removed from the pockets of taxpayers? That is what the taxpayer expects. But it never happens. It’s all a ruse put on by politicians to gain a big bunch of credit for doing NOTHING!
And another question. Will eliminating state income tax cause a reduction in spending in ANY part of the Wisconsin budget? If you think so, let’s place a big bet on it. I can use the money.
We both know that a large chunk of the “AFFORDABILITY CRISIS” in Wisconsin comes from state SPENDING. Nowhere, EVER, has the shuffling around of tax collection saved money for those paying the taxes. About a week ago Jack#619 titled “It’s a Spending Problem Stupid” was released. I have attached a copy for your review. Again, we both know that it IS a SPENDING PROBLEM. And no matter how many how-can-we-fool-’em-today games are played by politicians, NOTHING WILL CHANGE if spending is not reduced.
This political season is somewhat unusual because a bunch of incumbent “rats” are leaving what they perceive to be a sinking ship. In effect, the swamp seems to be self-draining……..at least to a point. This leaves open an opportunity to inject a bunch of new, YET uncontaminated blood into government. We cannot afford to miss this opportunity. But these candidates, and ALL candidates with any common sense at all, need to identify the “state tax” issue for what it is, a shell game.
If the same candidates want to pair up elimination of state income tax with a major REDUCTION IN SPENDING, THAT WOULD BE GREAT. And it would be a direct indication that these candidates actually understand what the “affordability” crisis is and are not just blowing smoke up the a– of voters.
Senator, in my view you are one of the good guys in our government. We The People are counting on you to make things affordable again. Have a good Memorial Day Weekend.
Any arguments out there? Is the problem not spending? The question is, “Will the current crop of candidates on either side of the aisle admit it.
Jack
Written May 23, 2026
H.O.T. Jack’s observations and opinions are shared with you by, but not edited by, H.O.T. Government and so do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of H.O.T. Government.
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