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Walker Lowers Income Tax Independently But Will Need Legislature To OK Spending Surplus

Governor Outlined Plans In State Of The State Address

By
Gov. Scott Walker, during his State of the State address 1/22/2014
Gov. Scott Walker, during his State of the State address 1/22/2014.

Gov. Scott Walker will need the Legislature’s cooperation to spend some of the budget surplus, but can implement a partial tax cut without them.

Walker told lawmakers that he had already instructed his Department of Revenue secretary to lower Wisconsin’s income tax withholding tables.

“This will put more money into the hands of consumers and will continue to stimulate the economy. Starting in April, a typical working family of four will see $57.90 more in their paychecks each month,” Walker said.

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Republican legislative leaders said they supported the governor’s move, though state Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said some of his members were surprised to learn Walker had the power to do this on his own.

In addition to calling for tax cuts, Walker proposed spending $35 million on three job training initiatives:

“First, investment in our technical colleges to eliminate waiting lists in high demand fields like manufacturing, agriculture and information technology,” Walker said. “Second, we’ll help high school students getting training in high-demand jobs through dual enrollment programs between our high schools and technical colleges.”

The governor also said he wanted to spend more money on programs that help people with disabilities enter the workforce.

Walker said he would call for a special session on the bills later today. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said his members could vote on them by mid-February.