Republicans will hear tax bills at state Capitol this week

MADISON, Wis (CIVIC MEDIA) – Republicans at the state Capitol are moving forward with tax bills this week. 

The first bill would expand tax credits for businesses that help build workforce housing or employee childcare programs. Right now, companies only qualify if they directly fund those efforts. Under the proposed bill, they would get credits for helping outside groups develop those programs too.

The legislation is backed by Habitat for Humanity, the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association, and the Realtors Association.

A second bill would offer state tax credits that match existing federal credits for employer-provided childcare. A third bill would adjust rules for restoring historic buildings.  The Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) supports the first three proposed pieces of legislation.

However, WEDA hasn’t endorsed the fourth bill, which would make tips tax-free under state income taxes. The Wisconsin Restaurant Association does support that bill.

Gov. Tony Evers proposed no taxes on tips earlier this year. Republicans left it out of the budget that was passed last month, however.

All four bills will get a hearing this Thursday at the Capitol, in the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee. They all have a companion bill in the state Senate.

Editor’s note: Due to editing errors, this article erroneously reported the bills had been introduced. They have already been introduced, and are receiving a hearing this week.