Dear Friends,

Happy birthday to the great state of Wisconsin! This week, in 1848, we officially became the 30th state in the union. On, Wisconsin!

I want to share some exciting news with you. Property and income taxes will be lower in 2018 than they were in 2010! 

Even Politifact agreed. In Thursday's edition of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Politifact's Tom Kertscher wrote: 

"...using two reasonable measures at the individual level, the property tax on a typical home is lower in 2018 than it was in 2010; and across the board, income tax rates are lower in 2018 than in 2010." 

Lowering your tax burden remains a top goal for Republicans. In the last state budget, we dedicated about 40% of the budget to lower your taxes. And it worked. 

Our state once had the highest overall state and local tax burden in the country. Thanks to the more than $8 billion in tax relief Governor Walker and Republicans have delivered, we changed all that. Now Wisconsin is below the national average, and data from the US Census Bureau shows the tax burden is the lowest it's been in 50 years.

Lowering our tax burden is making our state more competitive and is bringing more family-supporting jobs to our state. I'm proud of what we have done and look forward to continuing to cut taxes and reform government.

Congratulations to Terry Wakefield and Swirl Insurance Services of Mequon for being a finalist in the 2018 Governor’s Business Plan Contest! According to the Wisconsin Technology Council, they are one of 12 finalists because “Swirl Insurance Services is a great example of using technology in the financial services world.” Swill Insurance will receive a cash prize for making the finals.

As always, if you have any concerns or ideas on how to improve our great state, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at 608-266-5830 or by email at Sen.Darling@legis.wi.gov .

On, Wisconsin!

Alberta
Wisconsin Tax Burden Lowest in Decades
Our state once had a reputation for high taxes. While we still have work to do, that reputation is changing.

Click on the video above to watch Wisconsin's Chief Economist, John Koskinen, talk about our improving tax climate.
Record Funding for Public Schools
Not only did we deliver more than $8 billion in tax relief, Republicans also made the largest investment ever in our children's education. In the last budget, state funding for K-12 education reached an all-time high in actual dollars at $11.5 billion!

It is important that our children are prepared for the jobs that are already coming into our state. This investment is crucial to our state's future.

You can see how much more funding your schools will receive. If you click on the map above, it will take you to an interactive map with funding information.
Child Sales Tax Rebate Sign-up Continues
Parents with a child aged 18 or younger can claim a Child Sales Tax Rebate! Families who qualify are eligible for a $100 rebate per child for sales and use tax paid in 2017.

So far, more than 370,000 have signed up for the rebate. Click on the picture above to sign up!
Wisconsin Proud!
  • Wisconsin ranks No. 2 in the nation for manufacturing job creation since April 2017.
  • Unemployment in Wisconsin is at an all-time low. (2.8% April 2018 preliminary rate)
  • Employment is at an all-time high. (3,078,100 March 2018)
  • Over 85 percent of our population in the state in the prime age group of 25 to 55 is employed.
  • Wisconsin leads the nation in manufacturing jobs gained in 2018.
  • The state's Rainy Day Fund is $320 million - the highest ever.
Around the 8th...