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7/9/01

Wisconsin Senators in Taxing Frenzy
Named "Villain" of the month 

WASHINGTON - This month the Wisconsin State Senate, under the leadership of Senate President Fred Risser (D- Madison) acted irresponsible in the face of an economic downturn.  They voted to increase taxes $350 million, effectively taking this money out of much needed family budgets to feed an insatiable government appetite.  These actions have secured the Senator Risser the monthly "Taxpayer Villain of the Month," awarded to the person who does the most to harm the interests of taxpayers.   

His complete lack of regard for taxpayers was highlighted when he stated he has, "no problems increasing the so-called sin taxes." ( Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 5/20/01).  True to his word the Senate voted to increase tobacco, corporate income, software technology, and landfill taxes.   

"It is the height of hypocrisy to use a slowing economy as a reason to raise taxes as this Senate has done," remarked Damon B. Ansell, VP for Policy at ATR.  "To take much needed money away from American families by forcing them to pay higher taxes is ludicrous and only makes sense to tax and spend politicians who do not have to worry about balancing their own checkbook," concluded Ansell. 

Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform remarked: "If legislators were serious about balancing the budget they would reduce spending.  History has proven that Keynesian economics, i.e. government spending its way out of an economic slowdown, to be fallacious," concluded Ansell.