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Today, Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) applauded the Wisconsin Legislature and Governor Scott Walker (R) for crafting a state budget that eliminates a $3.6 billion overspending problem without raising taxes. By acting boldly on their mandate to reduce the size of government and cut taxes, Gov. Walker and the Republican legislature have taken another step to foster job creation and economic growth.

During his campaign for governor, Walker joined 24 Wisconsin legislators in signing the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, a written commitment never to raise taxes. The state budget, which reduces Wisconsin’s net tax burden, makes good on that promise.

ATR President Grover Norquist issued the following statement:

“I commend Scott Walker, Scott Fitzgerald and Jeff Fitzgerald for their leadership on behalf of Wisconsin taxpayers and job creators. This budget, which eliminates a $3.6 billion overspending problem while reducing Wisconsin’s tax burden, is yet another victory for fiscal commonsense over the budgetary recklessness that has preceded their tenure.

“First, Gov. Walker rejected an onslaught of federal money for ‘high-speed rail,’ recognizing that the strings attached by the Obama Administration would hamper Wisconsin’s ability to get its own affairs in order. Then, he reformed the collective bargaining process for public employees, allowing state and local governments the flexibility to confront their budget crises. And now he has pared back government intrusion into the private sector, paving the way for sustained job creation and economic growth.

“While President Obama and some in Congress are calling for massive tax increases in the name of deficit reduction, Wisconsin has taken a more prudent course. D.C. should take note: By taking tax increases off the table and getting government out of the way of private sector job creators, Wisconsin is once again open for business.”

Posted by Joshua Culling on Friday, June 17, 2011 11:43 AM EDT

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