MADISON, WI (WSAU) -- A bill focusing on cutting taxes for the middle class passed the Wisconsin Assembly Tuesday afternoon.
The Middle-Class Tax Cut bill is advancing out of the state Assembly after a successful 61-33 party-line vote. The bill would give $340 million from the state surplus back to the middle class. Families filing jointly would see an average of about $310 reduction in taxes.
Marshfield Representative John Spiros voted in favor of the bill. Spiros says there was a lengthy discussion on the bill and that he spoke as well. "In fact, there was probably about three hours worth of discussion. In fact, I actually got up and I spoke in favor of it as well."
There have been recent complaints about smaller tax returns at the federal level with the 2017 tax changes. Spiros thinks this bill could help make up for those smaller returns federally at the state level. "With the state, I would see it would probably be similar. You would have more money to spend over time. As well as you'd also be able to have the deductions. I think the higher deductions for the married couple as well."
The bill now heads to the Senate and Spiros is hopeful it will pass there as well. "I'm hopeful that the Senate would pass that and move forward with that. And then send it to the Governor's desk but I think it's always an unknown when it comes down to it."
The middle-class tax cut bill could be seen in the Senate as soon as Wednesday. The Senate remains in session until February 14th before going on break until March. Governor Tony Evers has signaled he would like a middle-class tax cut by capping tax breaks for manufacturers as opposed to using the state surplus.
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