Contact:
Anne Lupardus, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
Also Signs SB 180 Relating to Cash Discounts for Purchases
Governor Jim Doyle today signed Senate Bill 331, repealing the annual indexing of the state’s motor vehicle fuel tax rate.
“Gas prices have taken a significant toll on every family budget in Wisconsin,” Governor Doyle said. “Consumers need relief from high gas prices, and as Governor, I’ve done everything in my power to provide that relief. But citizens also have a right to expect their representatives will take an up or down vote – in the light of day – before raising their taxes. It’s not appropriate to raise taxes every year automatically, without elected officials having to stand up and be accountable to the people who are paying taxes.”
In July, Governor Doyle signed a one cent reduction of the gas tax as part of the State Budget.
“When I ran for Governor, I promised that I would not raise taxes – and I intend to continue to live up to that promise,” Governor Doyle said. “I’ll do everything I can to reduce the tax burden in Wisconsin, and bring relief to consumers from high energy prices. This bill will help to do just that.”
Governor Doyle thanked Senators Tom Reynolds, Dave Zien, and Tim Carpenter, as well as Representatives Jeff Wood, Frank Lasee, and Spencer Black for their leadership on the bill.
Governor Doyle also signed SB 180, which brings the Wisconsin Consumer Act in line with federal law. The bill prohibits credit card issuers from penalizing merchants who offer customer discounts for paying by cash, check, or similar means, rather than using a credit card.
Governor Doyle thanked Senators Dave Zien, Ron Brown, and Julie Lassa, as well as Representatives Jeff Wood and Scott Suder for their work on the bill.
