Contact: Anne Lupardus, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
Governor Jim Doyle today announced that he intends to sign legislation repealing Wisconsin’s automatic gas tax indexing. Governor Doyle made the following statement:
“Gas prices have taken a significant toll on every family budget in Wisconsin. As Governor, I have done everything in my power to fight for lower gas prices, including issuing subpoenas to the world’s largest oil companies and calling on Congress to get a refund for the American people. It is reprehensible how the big oil companies have been cashing in on a national tragedy, and they should be forced to refund their excessive profits.
“I have also done everything in my power to hold the line on taxes. Despite inheriting the most serious financial crisis in state history, I have balanced two budgets without any tax increases. I held the line on sales, income, cigarette taxes, and I signed the toughest property tax freeze in Wisconsin history. Now, I will go a step further, and sign legislation ending automatic gas tax increases in Wisconsin.
“Consumers need relief from high gas prices, and citizens have a right to expect their representatives will take an up or down vote – in the light of day – before ever raising their taxes. I simply do not believe it is appropriate to raise taxes every year automatically, without elected officials having to stand up and be accountable to the people paying the taxes.
“Funding our transportation infrastructure is a vital priority for our state, now and in the future, and I am committed to a robust transportation program. In the last budget, transportation funding increased 16 percent. As we move forward, we need to continue to find ways to support these investments. Repealing automatic tax increases will require all elected officials in Wisconsin to make tough decisions, but as Governor, I’ve never been afraid to make tough decisions. The people of Wisconsin deserve nothing less.
“When I ran for Governor, I promised the people of this state I would not raise taxes – and I intend to continue to live up to that promise. I’ll do everything I can to reduce the tax burden in Wisconsin, and bring relief to consumers from high energy prices.”
