Wisconsin to hang a shingle on the state line

Posted at 9:39 PM on January 17, 2011 by Tom Scheck (4 Comments)
Filed under: Mark Dayton

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker plans to place signs proclaiming "Wisconsin: Open for Business" on the state boundaries with Minnesota and Illinois.

"These signs proudly proclaim Wisconsin is open for business," Walker said in a written statement. "Along with the symbolic nature of these signs, there are going to be substantive changes to the way our state government treats job creators."

Walker, a Republican, is trying to highlight his campaign message that low taxes will spur job creation. He's also hoping that Wisconsin will stand out from the Democratic governors in Minnesota and Illinois. The news release cites the recent income tax hike in Illinois and Governor Dayton's support for an income tax hike on top earners.

Walker's aide didn't respond to a question as to whether Walker would quickly pay the $58 million his state owes Minnesota. Gov. Dayton wrote to Walker on Friday asking he pay the bill immediately.

Update: From Walker's Press Secretary, Cullen Werwie:

"Governor Walker is working with Secretary Chandler to review all of the options available for payment to Minnesota for tax reciprocity. On Friday, Governor Walker was scheduled to talk to Governor Dayton over the phone to talk about the tax reciprocity deal, until Governor Dayton cancelled that phone call. We are still working to reschedule the call."

Comments (4)

You gotta respect the criminal mind of Republican Wisconsin Gov. Walker. He steals $58 million of Minnesota tax dollars, then tries to lure Minnesota businesses with tax cuts - a Pawlenty-esque shell game, with Minnesota taxpayers on the hook, as usual.

Posted by Ralph Crammedin | January 18, 2011 7:59 AM

"Along with the symbolic nature of these signs, there are going to be substantive changes to the way our state government treats job creators."

Is "job creators" a euphamism for the rich?

Posted by Noelle | January 18, 2011 11:30 AM

And, the cutest part of Scotty's message..even with the big tax increase on Illinois' residents..our taxes in WI are still higher! Ugh. What a tool!

Posted by AdamR | January 18, 2011 1:20 PM

"We are still working to reschedule the call."

Just send the damn check! Are they trying to make it sound like it's Dayton's fault that they haven't paid the bill?

If Republicans REALLY believed that lowering taxes on the rich created jobs, they would offer tax credits to those who actually create jobs. Many high earners have nothing to do with creating jobs. What Republicans REALLY want to do is simply to make their rich friends richer.

Posted by Jamie | January 18, 2011 2:41 PM

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