There is no denying that 2011 was an eventful year in Wisconsin. The Packers won the Super Bowl, the Brewers advanced in the playoffs and there are some noticeable changes made in 2011 to state law that will go into effect in 2012, and I’d like to help you understand several of them.
In the 2009-2010 legislative session, the legislature passed an indexing reform to the Homestead Tax Credit, which means there were now automatic adjustments for inflation to increase the value of your tax credit. This session, that indexing was repealed in the current biennial budget, impacting more than 247,000 Wisconsin families.
Amy Sue Vruwink
Also reduced in the current budget is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The crux of the EITC is that the size of the credit grows as income grows until a certain income level is met and is meant to be a way to help low-income families work their way out of poverty.
The budget cut nearly $69.8 million dollars from these programs, which help many working families keep their heads above water. Alternatively, the budget passed this session reopened corporate tax loopholes that will cost the state $93.8 million and allow big multi-state corporations and wealthy investors to avoid paying taxes and shifting the tax burden to working families and small business. This is one of many reasons I voted against the budget.
If you are low-income, handicapped or elderly, you may qualify for free assistance preparing your taxes from Wisconsin’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Taxpayer Counseling for the Elderly (TCE). Contact the Wisconsin Department of Revenue to see if you qualify at 608-266-2772.
Another change that many of us will soon see is the implementation of the Voter Identification Law on Feb. 21 for the spring primary elections. There is considerable confusion surrounding the law and hopefully I can help clear that up. First, there is no special voting-only ID card. Your existing state driver’s license or a state ID is adequate, and your address doesn’t have to be current. If you need a state ID, you can take a certified copy of your birth certificate, your social security card and a utility bill to the DMV. For most people, these will be sufficient forms of proof of who you are. If you have further questions on how to obtain a state ID for voting, call the Department of Transportation at 608-266-2353 or visit their website at http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/apply/idcard.htm.
When you go to vote at the polls, you’ll be asked to state your name. After the poll worker checks it in the book, you’ll be asked to show your ID. Then you’ll have to sign next to your name in the poll book. If you have any questions on this new policy, the Government Accountability Board has set up a great website to answer questions and make clarifications at bringit.wisconsin.gov, or you can call toll-free at 1-866-VOTE-WIS.
It is a privilege to serve as your Representative, and I offer you my best wishes for a happy and healthy new year. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me with your concerns or comments on any state issue, or if you need assistance navigating these or any other new changes in state law by calling toll-free at 888-534-0070 or emailing at Rep.Vruwink@legis.wisconsin.gov.
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