On Tax Day, GOP Leaders Decry Tax Burden in Oak Creek Visit

Republican leaders Monday criticized federal tax increases and touted their efforts to lower the state tax burden at a press conference in Oak Creek on the last day people have to file taxes without an extension.

Speaking at Steelwind Industries, 7550 S. 10th St., state GOP Vice Chairman Brian Schimming said the federal government should take a cue from Wisconsin in addressing tax issues.

"The Legislature has set out a course here where they would address these issues head-on and not hide behind them," Schimming said.

State lawmakers and Gov. Scott Walker are pushing for an income tax cut worth about $300 million, though how much savings the average person would see has been debated and remains to be seen.

Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said the proposed income tax cut will be part of a larger series of tax-related reforms. Monday's tax-filing deadline is a reminder of the work ahead, he said.

"April 15 is an important day because it reminds not only Wisconsinites, but really everybody throughout the nation of the level of taxation that we face each and every day," he said.

In response, Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Mike Tate ripped Republican leadership for proposing a tax cut that he said would mostly benefit the wealthy.

"Scott Walker Republicans are looking to borrow $2.1 billion more dollars, adding to Wisconsin's record debt, at the same time as they are proposing a tax cut that is a joke to working people and which primarily benefits the richest among us, instead of funding investments that actually create jobs," Tate said in an email to Patch. "Wisconsin is last in the Midwest and 44th nationally in jobs; and 45th in wages. Walker Republicans should focus on our failing economy, instead of going down their special interest check list."

Fitzgerald also used the press conference to highlight the state's manufacturering tax credit. The state and country need many more successful manufacturers like Steelwind, Schimming said.

"That will happen if the tax burden is lower," he said.

Monday wasn't the first time Republicans have used Steelwind Industries as backdrop—the business also played host to Walker's first public appearance following the 2012 recall election.