Key points of current state budget proposal
Here are some highlights (not an all-inclusive list) of state budget proposals:
TAXES
- Implementation of combined reporting for certain corporate entities in Wisconsin.
- A new tax bracket of 7.75% for joint returns over $300,000 income.
- Reduction of the capital gains exclusion to 40% from the current 60%.
- A 75-cents per pack increase in the cigarette and tobacco tax.
- An assessment on oil company profits.
- Implementation of the Main Street Equity Act.
- Create a dairy cooperative investment and a meat processing facility tax credits program.
STATE CUTS
- Implementation of a 1% across-the-board reduction for state agencies.
- Change state corrections policy “to better focus resources on the most serious offenders.”
- Eliminate 17 positions at the Dept of Revenue because of automation of records and sales tax systems.
- Remove state staff from Wisconsin Welcome Centers.
- Consolidate brownfield operations, minority business certification, restaurant and food inspection activities and human resource functions.
- Close 39 mobile Division of Motor Vehicle Stations.
- Close two state trooper stations (Tomah and Spooner)
- Close 25 DNR service centers.
- No pay raises for state employees.
- Slow the expansion of the Family Care program to additional counties.
- Not move forward with the Badger Choice health initiative.
EDUCATION
- Over the two year budget cycle, a combination of state and federal funds will increase state education funding by $426 million.
- Allow school districts to exceed revenue limits for safety, transportation costs and school nursing expenses.
- Hold the line on tuition at the UW by providing a home harmless provision for families making less than $60,000.
- Allowing a UW tuition increase about the same as experienced in the past budget.
- Creation of a freshwater school and public health school at the UW-Milwaukee.
- Increase financial aid by $38 million.
- Make a $25 million down payment on the future costs of the Wisconsin Covenant. The first class is expected in 2011.
- The UW System will experience an overall $120 million cut from the current base.
- Require additional math and science credits for high school graduation.
TRANSPORTATION
- Spend $569 million for road projects, including $500 million in federal funds.
- Provide for improved Amtrak service between Milwaukee and Chicago and move toward passenger service between Madison and Milwaukee.
- Provide for implementation of regional transit authorities in Southeast Wisconsin, Fox Valley and Dane County.
- Implement a single license plate program.
OTHER PROVISIONS
- Create a domestic partner protection program.
- Implement a state-wide smoking ban.
- Create a child care quality rating system.
- Reform the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare.
For the full text of the bill: http://www.legis.wisconsin.gov/2009/data/AB75hst.html