State Senate passes property tax relief plan



MADISON (WITI) -- State lawmakers are having the chance to weigh-in on Gov. Walker's proposed property tax relief plan. The plan is expected to save the average homeowner about $13 the first year.

State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma) said she thinks most Democrats will support the move, but predicts the relief will have limited impact.

"We have a big problem in the funding of schools, we have a big problem in how big our property taxes are," said Vinehout. "Both of those big problems should have been dealt with in the budget and this is messing around with the budget after the budget's passed for purely political reasons."

We also caught up with State Rep. Joe Sanfelippo (R-West Allis). He said when the government over-taxes, it should return the money to taxpayers--even if the amount is small.

"Those same Democrats use that excuse in the opposite way when they raise everybody`s taxes  15 or 20 bucks in a year and say 'well, it's just a little bit, really it's not going to hurt you'," said Sanfelippo.  "Well, it's just a little bit, we're giving it back."

The state Senate approved the deal on Tuesday. The Assembly plans to take it up on Thursday.

Gov. Walker released the following statement on the Senate's approval of the property tax relief plan:

"I’m pleased to see the Republicans and Democrats in the Senate come together to provide $100 million in property tax relief for Wisconsin families, farmers, seniors, and small businesses.  Our tough, but prudent, decisions mean we can invest in Wisconsin’s priorities, and one of those is holding the line on property taxes in this state.  I look forward to the Assembly’s vote on Thursday."