Editorial
The closing days of the race for Milwaukee County Executive have revealed policy prescriptions, achievements, and visions of the two candidates – Current Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and his opponent, State Senator Chris Larson.
We have learned about the differences of the candidates and been given a number of issues to consider in making our selection for this critical office in local government.
That said, there remains one revealing policy proposal that has voters across Milwaukee scratching their heads: The Larson Tax plan.
In interviews throughout the campaign, Larson has talked at length about his intent to triple Milwaukee County’s portion of the sales tax.
He has said he would do this to provide a dedicated revenue stream for Milwaukee County projects.
Larson has also stated that he merely “hopes” to hold property tax increases to the level of inflation.
In other words, Larson’s plan would hit our pocketbooks every day we shop and again when we pay property taxes.
This is a 1-2 punch, a double whammy of higher taxes many of us simply can’t afford. Let’s look a bit deeper.
Sales Taxes
Senator Larson’s plan on sales taxes is particularly distressing. Sales taxes are the most “regressive” form of taxation. These taxes usually apply to essentials such as clothing, cleaning supplies, toiletries, toilet paper, and our kids’ schools supplies. Often these expenses can make up a higher percentage of a lower income resident’s overall budget. Even when the tax is uniform, such as what Larson is proposing, lower income neighbors are more affected by it because they are less able to afford it.
Meaning that those who make the least are hit the hardest by increases in sales taxes.
On the other hand, progressive taxation has long been a guiding principle of Democratic tax plans for one simple reason – the more you make, the better equipped you are to pay a little more.
Most of us understand this form of taxing when we think about the saying “to whom much is given, much is required.”
Larson’s plan hits those on fixed incomes, seniors and working families hardest.
There is simply no other way to slice it and Senator Larson knows it.
In fact, during a debate in Madison over the statewide sales tax, Larson remarked that increases in the sales tax “typically harm those who are in the lower income bracket”.
Now, he expects us to believe that his plan to increase the sales tax isn’t regressive?
His explanation strains the bounds of credibility and our community will suffer under the Larson sales tax hike.
Property Taxes
Some county residents have indicated that they would be willing to accept a higher sales tax under one specific condition – a drastic reduction in property taxes.
However, there are a couple of problems with this plan. First, it has to pass the Legislature.
Larson has gotten one bill passed the entire time he has been in the Legislature.
He doesn’t really have a track record of getting much done. Especially when his rhetoric is “don’t work with Republicans” – even though they hold majorities in the Senate, Assembly AND the Governor’s Office.
Unless we are prepared to endure another four years of getting little done for Milwaukee under Larson’s leadership, an effective County Executive has to be able to work with everyone willing to come to the table.
Second, County government is an extension of the State and is required to enact the services mandated by legislation or statute. Milwaukee County, which constitutes a sizable portion of the tax dollars sent to the State, will be impacted unfairly in Larson’s tax plan.
We would pay more in taxes and not fully control how much of those dollars are sent outside of our community.
In borrowing a line from the Abele campaign, Larson’s tax increase plan will would definitely work against us.
Current County Executive Chris Abele has worked hard to keep property taxes low.
Each of the five budgets he’s introduced proposed holding the line on property taxes while increasing and improving services. Abele has demonstrated that you don’t have to increase taxes at all to provide more value to the public.
To those worried about making ends meet and stagnant household wages, the notion of higher taxes under Larson is a red flag.
As we near the end of this race, this final policy difference being pushed by Larson, is simply one we can’t afford.
