Requiring a supermajority in each house of the legislature for passage of tax increase legislation (first consideration).
Impact
If enacted, SJR63 would amend the state constitution, thereby altering how tax legislation is passed in Wisconsin. A tax increase would need to be approved by two-thirds of all elected members in both the Senate and the Assembly. This change could create a higher threshold for tax adjustments, which advocates suggest could lead to more careful fiscal management and restraint in government spending. Critics argue, however, that this could hamper necessary funding for public services in the face of economic need.
Summary
SJR63 is a proposed constitutional amendment introduced in the Wisconsin legislature that seeks to require a supermajority vote in each house for the passage of legislation aimed at increasing state tax rates. Specifically, the amendment applies to increases in the rate of the state sales tax, income tax, and franchise tax. The proposal is symbolically significant as it reflects a shift towards requiring more stringent legislative agreement for tax increases, potentially influencing future fiscal policies within the state.
Contention
Notable points of contention around SJR63 revolve around debates over government revenue generation versus the need for checks on legislative power. Proponents of the resolution argue that it provides a necessary safeguard against impulsive taxation and promotes fiscal responsibility. On the opposite side, opponents express concerns regarding the potential for gridlock in addressing urgent community needs, as a supermajority requirement might render it difficult to secure necessary funding for public services, especially during economic downturns.