Business owners interviewed by David Doege of the Milwaukee Business Journal say a sales tax increase in Milwaukee County would be detrimental to businesses.
The Milwaukee County Board has approved an advisory sales tax referendum for the November ballot, with tax revenue to go toward mass transit and the parks. Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker will veto the measure, as he should given our current tax climate. The Board may have enough votes to override the veto.
If the referendum is placed on the ballot and then approved by voters, the state Legislature and the Governor would also have to approve the tax hike. The increase would raise the total sales tax in Milwaukee County to 6.6%. The county collects a 0.5% sales tax, the state sales tax is 5% and the stadium tax is 0.1%.
Here are some of the reactions Doege of the Business Journal got:
"It would have a devastating effect on businesses in Milwaukee County. It's difficult enough just having to deal with the proliferation of Internet retailers that don't charge a sales tax."
Tony Miresse, owner of Art’s Cameras Plus.
"Jewelry is purchased with discretionary income. It would be an even greater challenge for my business to survive."
Vivian Anton, president of Paul's Jewelers.
“This is not a good time to be increasing anybody’s cost to do anything.”
Ed Lump, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
“It’s not that we oppose having good transit. But selective taxes impact where people make major purchases.”
Chris Tackett, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Merchants Federation.
“People have not used public transportation, so I can’t see raising the sales tax to support it.”
Glenn Pentler, owner of Uptown Motors in Wauwatosa and Slinger.
“If you raise the price of motor vehicles by just one-half of 1 percent, it will be a significant factor in some people’s decision about whether to buy a car.”
Gary Williams, president of the Wisconsin Automobile and Truck Dealers Association.
These people get it. Raising taxes hurts businesses, especially those located next to areas that don’t have the increases. Consumers will drive the extra miles to save on the sales tax. The poor will be hit hardest by a sales tax increase, a fact liberals are fully aware of but choose not to discuss.
Walker’s veto needs to be upheld. Call your Milwaukee County Supervisor ASAP and ask that he/she vote to sustain the veto of the sales tax referendum.
