Representative Joe Parisi and the TPA
Two weeks ago, I e-mailed Representative Parisi to ask his opinion of the proposed Taxpayer Protection Amendment:
Representative Parisi:
As a constituent, I am interested in your position on the Taxpayers Protection Amendment. Do you think this is a good idea? As currently written, do you plan to vote for it or against it?
~joe
This morning, I received a response from Representative Parisi:
Dear Mr. Martin:
Thank you for your email regarding Senate Joint Resolution 63/Assembly Joint Resolution 77, the so called "Taxpayer Protection Amendment" (TPA).
While I support government spending controls at the federal, state and local levels, I believe the proposed "Taxpayer Protection Amendment" will have a devastating effect on our state and local government with regard to the disabled, the elderly, University and K-12 education, the unemployed and our prison system. It will remove control from our local governments and restrict essential services from keeping pace with need and growth. And, most importantly, this proposed constitutional amendment will impair Wisconsin's ability to invest in the future.
I understand the need to reduce the state's property taxes. As a co-sponsor of the Democratic proposal to establish a "Homeowner's Tax Credit" we would eliminate school taxes on the first $60,000 of assessed value of the taxpayer's residence. This would cut the property tax bill for the average homeowner by $400. I think it is much better to change the current system and reduce people's property taxes than to freeze the unfair system into place.
Again, I appreciate your email on this issue. Please don't hesitate to keep in touch with my office on any issues of concern.
Sincerely,
JOE PARISI
State Representative
48th Assembly District
I appreciate his answer, but I do see a few things that raise further questions. I'll be composing a response later today.