PolitiFact.com
Statements about Taxes
Tommy Thompson

Tommy Thompson

False

Cut many, but raised some, too

Says that as Wisconsin governor he "never raised taxes."

Scott Walker

Scott Walker

Half-True

Yes and no.

"We wiped out a $3.6 billion deficit without raising taxes."

Scott Walker

Scott Walker

Mostly True

Not widespread, but a variety of hikes that size

Says Wisconsin Democrats during the previous administration adopted "double-digit tax increases."

Mahlon Mitchell

Mahlon Mitchell

True

Tax freedom in exchange for jobs

Under a law proposed by Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, businesses that move into Wisconsin "don't have to pay any taxes" on their income for two years.

Tommy Thompson

Tommy Thompson

Mostly True

Late touchdowns count as much as game openers

"During my tenure as governor, Wisconsin’s overall tax burden went DOWN."

Paul Ryan

Paul Ryan

Half-True

Not even that much time, but it still would be a pile of money

Even a 100 percent tax on millionaires would only fund four months of government operations, failing to seriously address budget deficits and debt.

Jim Sensenbrenner

Jim Sensenbrenner

True

Study, experts agree

"We have the highest corporate tax rate in the world. It’s 35 percent."

National Republican Senatorial Committee

National Republican Senatorial Committee

False

Silence doesn't equal support

Says U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin is backing President Barack Obama’s plan to pass a $1.5 trillion tax increase.

Greater Wisconsin Political Fund

Greater Wisconsin Political Fund

Half-True

He did. Once

Says Republican recall challenger Jonathan Steitz "failed to pay his taxes."  

Kim Simac

Kim Simac

Mostly False

There was no freeze vote, but state budget action set stage for local increases

Says Democratic state Sen. Jim Holperin "voted against a property tax freeze" in 2009 and then voted for a "$1.5 billion property tax hike."

Greater Wisconsin Political Fund

Greater Wisconsin Political Fund

True

Paid up now, but late on eight

Says GOP recall challenger Kim Simac "was delinquent paying her property taxes eight of the last nine years."

Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce

Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce

Mostly True

Yes, but increase was middle of the pack

"When Nancy Nusbaum was Brown County executive, spending went up nearly 50 percent."

National Republican Congressional Committee

National Republican Congressional Committee

False

Stimulus bought more than jobs

Says U.S. Rep. Ron Kind’s "stimulus cost taxpayers $278,000 per job."

Ron Johnson

Ron Johnson

True

The feds delivered the mail back then, but not much else.

"The federal government is spending 25 percent of our entire economy versus 100 years ago we spent only 2 percent."

Sheila Harsdorf

Sheila Harsdorf

Mostly False

Moore wanted to avoid increase for poor and some seniors

Says Democratic recall opponent Shelly Moore "opposes any limit on taxes."  

Jessica King

Jessica King

Mostly False

When he didn’t pay, he didn’t owe

Says state Sen. Randy Hopper, R-Fond du Lac, unlike typical taxpayers, "didn’t pay taxes"

Jennifer Shilling

Jennifer Shilling

Mostly False

Number far overstates the case, but it’s one way to look at it

The 2011-13 state budget "cuts overall funding for public schools by $1.6 billion"

Scott Walker

Scott Walker

False

Misleading claim based on favorable assumptions

"Under our (2011-’13) budget, the average (Wisconsin) property taxpayer will save $700."

One Wisconsin Now

One Wisconsin Now

Half-True

The numbers are on the money, but some facts shaded by loaded language

Says Gov. Scott Walker’s budget "includes tax breaks for corporations and the rich that will cost the state of Wisconsin taxpayers $2.3 billion over the next decade."

One Wisconsin Now

One Wisconsin Now

Mostly True

Most don’t pay in, but it’s not all because of tax breaks

"Two-thirds of Wisconsin corporations don't pay state income taxes."

Advertisement
How to contact us:

We want to hear your suggestions and comments. For tips or comments on our campaign promise database, please e-mail the Obameter. If you are commenting on a specific promise, please include the promise number. For comments about our Truth-O-Meter or Flip-O-Meter items, please e-mail the Truth-O-Meter. We’re especially interested in seeing any chain e-mails you receive that you would like us to check out. If you send us a comment, we'll assume you don't mind us publishing it unless you tell us otherwise.

Browse the The Truth-O-MeterTM:
Browse The Obameter:
Subscribe:

Keep up to date with Politifact National: