Coalition Of Business Groups Opposes DOT’s Proposed Tax, Fee Increases

A coalition of business groups wants Republicans to reject major tax and fee increases proposed by Gov. Scott Walker’s Department of Transportation.

The Department of Transportation recently proposed $750 million in new taxes and fees to fill a projected shortfall in Wisconsin’s transportation budget. That included a tax on new vehicle purchases and an increase in the gas tax.

Jason Culotta with Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce said there are questions in the business community about whether those taxes in particular are the right approach.

“We acknowledge that we’re going to have to have a revenue increase, but the question is what is the appropriate way to move forward with those increases,” said Culotta.

Among those joining WMC’s call to reject those taxes were the National Federation of Independent Businesses and the Wisconsin Auto and Truck Dealers Association. Among those backing the proposed budget are local governments and the road-building lobby.