Taxes
Taxes and fees paid to local, state, and federal governments to support services that benefit everyone.
- About the issue
- Why does this matter to people with disabilities?
- Are there any proposals that would make a change in this issue?
- Who can I contact with my questions?
- Background Information For This Issue
About the issue: (Top of page)
Taxes pay for services that everyone uses or might need, such as police and fire protection, roads, and public education. There are several types of taxes. Individuals and corporations pay taxes and fees to the federal government to pay for services such as defense of the nation or the national parks system. A portion of taxes collected by the federal government are distributed to state and local governments to help pay for specific services. Income taxes, sales taxes, and fees collected by the state government are distributed to counties and local governments. County and local governments collect property and sales taxes to pay for services.
Deciding who pays taxes, how much they pay, and where the money goes is one of the biggest responsibilities of elected officials.
Why does this matter to people with disabilities? (Top of page)
People with disabilities pay taxes, however, they also benefit from taxes paid by other people. Taxes pay for Medicaid, vocational rehabilitation, employment, transportation and other programs people with disabilities need to live. Changes made to the tax structure can either reduce or expand the amount of services available to people.
Are there any proposals that would make a change in this issue? (Top of page)
- Assembly Bill 40 - Biennial Budget Request
The most important bill of the legislative session, the biennial budget bill determines how much funding programs serving people with disabilities will receive for the next two years. The bill also makes important policies and funding decisions in other a [More on Assembly Bill 40 ]
Outcome: Introduced and referred to the Joint Finance Committee. - Assembly Bill 75 - Special Olympics Tax Check Off
Allows donations to be made to the Special Olympics through an income tax check off. [More on Assembly Bill 75 ]
Outcome: Introduced April 7, 2011 - Senate Bill 27 - Biennial Budget Request
The most important bill of the legislative session, the biennial budget bill determines how much funding programs serving people with disabilities will receive for the next two years. The bill also makes important policies and funding decisions in other a [More on Senate Bill 27 ]
- Senate Bill 48 - Special Olympics Tax Check Off
Allows people to make donations to Special Olympics through an income tax check off. [More on Senate Bill 48 ]
Outcome: Passed the State Senate. - Senate Bill 69 - Private School Tuition
Creates a non-refundable individual income tax credit for tuition expenses for children attending private K-12 schools. The amount of the tax credit is phased in over time. Providing incentives for parents to enroll their children in private schools drain [More on Senate Bill 69 ]
Outcome: Introduced April 21, 2011
Who can I contact with my questions? (Top of page)
John Shaw
Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities
201 W. Washington Avenue
Madison WI 53703-2796
Phone: Voice (608) 266-7707; TDD (608) 266-6660
Email: John1.Shaw@wisconsin.gov
Fax: (608) 267-3906
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