I like to give people my opinion all the time but on the following issue (which I have expressed my opinion on once before) I’d like to know what you all think about this…

Many of you may have read the Journal Times article of Friday talking about the GOP Budget Compromise: Local GOP legislators ready to deal on budget

But did you get the chance to read the letter to the editor on Saturday from Rep Vos and Rep Gunderson?

GOP firm on taxes

On Saturday The Journal Times ran a story that indicated Republicans were willing to work together with our colleagues on the other side of the aisle to find an answer to the budget stalemate in Madison. While that part of the story is accurate, other aspects didn’t fully reflect our position.

We understand that politics is about give and take. Republicans are willing to sit at the table and negotiate our spending priorities with Democrats as long as it takes. However we will not negotiate on one of our most important principles: our heart-felt belief that tax increases are not the answer to balancing this budget.

Unfortunately some Democrats have already indicated that they will oppose the proposal and insist on their demand for higher taxes.

The proposal that will come before the State Assembly on Tuesday clearly reflects the priorities of our state; strong support for local schools, municipalities and counties while clearly showing our belief that these priorities can be funded without the need for any additional taxes.

While the story also didn’t mention this point, the proposal also sets a maximum property tax increase of 2 percent for 2008 and 2009.

We are committed to finding workable solutions to ensure Wisconsin keeps moving forward and that taxpayers are protected.

State Rep. Robin Vos, R-Caledonia.
State Rep. Scott Gunderson, R-Waterford

Now I see that the JT is weighing in on this issue and is siding with Vos and Gunderson.

State GOP pushes budget compromise

What do you think?