In keeping with the protocol we have established, we'll lead with the response of Senator Darling to each question in this chapter.
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What is your position on Ethanol mandates in Wisconsin?
Darling: I oppose ethanol mandates! I have asked our federal lawmakers to repeal the federal renewable fuel mandate and eliminate tax credits for ethanol production. I have also asked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to lift the reformulated gas (RFG) blend mandate.
Wasserman: I am against Ethanol mandates.
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Wisconsin is now listed as only the 11th highest taxed state in the union. Is this appropriate given the services we receive? Are there ways that taxes can be reduced further and, if so, where do you think that can be accomplished?
Darling: For way too long, Wisconsin was among the top ten of most highly-taxed states. Wisconsin is now out of the top ten because legislative Republicans have successfully defeated billions in Democrat-backed tax hikes over the years. While I am pleased that our tax rank is dropping, the state must start to spend less too.
Wasserman: Based on the services we receive, I think we could be more in the middle of the pack. We can do that by restructuring government and eliminating unnecessary layers of bureaucracy. We also need to stop giving tax breaks to every individual who comes to Madison with a paid lobbyist. Instead of increasing the complexity of our tax code and favoring the few instead of helping the many, taxes should be cut across the board. We can all share in tax breaks.
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Is the UW system working as it should or are there problems that need resolution? If problems, what do you see those as being?
Darling: As a proud alumna of UW-Madison, I think it is important that our UW-System remain a top notch higher educational system that is a major driver of our state's economy. That said, there have been far too many examples where the UW-System has wasted taxpayer dollars. Everyone remembers examples like the $26 million spent on a new computer payroll system that didn't work and the $700 per month automobile allowances for chancellors. While the UW-System is very important to our state, it needs to eliminate wasteful spending.
Wasserman: The overall UW system is the third largest in the country, and I'm proud of it. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, and I'm very proud of my education and what it's done for me. One area of concern is the administrative system for the UW itself, which needs to be cut.
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As always, our thanks go to both contributors for taking the time to respond to our questions. And, we again encourage readers to pose their questions for future chapters in this 'debate'.
