Vandermeer Would Contribute Nothing to Debate Over Tax Fairness, Much Like Her State Income Taxes

MADISON, Wis. — In a recent interview with the news service WisPolitics.com, Assembly candidate Nancy Vandermeer is reported to have said that she believes the Assembly could use more people like her. One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross, wondered how her and her business not paying state income taxes would add to the debate about how to make sure the wealthy and corporations pay their fair share.

Ross commented, “Nancy Vandermeer has paid nothing in state income taxes on four separate years and her business hasn’t paid a dime for ten straight years. She’ll add about as much to the debate about tax fairness as she’s paid in state income taxes through her business over the last ten years, nothing.”

According to a review of records from the state Department of Revenue, Vandermeer paid nothing in personal state income taxes in 2011, 2008, 2004 and 2002. Her business, Vandermeer Motor Company, has paid nothing in state income taxes for ten straight years, 2002 through 2011.

Ross said, “Massive state tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations haven’t created jobs in Wisconsin, we rank among the worst states in the nation in that regard. They’ve just left the middle class, seniors and kids footing the bill with higher taxes, cuts to schools and less access to health care.”

In the 2011-2012 legislative session, the Republican controlled legislature enacted $2.3 billion in tax cuts over the next ten years, overwhelmingly benefitting the wealthy and corporations, while also passing the biggest cuts to public education in state history, $70 million in tax increases on seniors and working families and $500 million in cuts to sate programs that help provide health care service in the state. Vandermeer has, on her website and in public statements, endorsed these measures.

“Nancy Vandermeer’s record of not paying state income taxes herself or through her business isn’t going to turn that debate around,” he concluded.