Reps in the News: Johnson Statement on Tax Plan Opposition

Governor Scott Walker

Gov. Walker and Wisconsin’s tourism industry are teaming up to help thousands of Wisconsin residents stay warm this winter with The Big Bundle Up campaign. Now in its seventh year, the statewide charity initiative encourages people to donate new or gently used gloves, hats, scarves, coats, and other warm winter gear for those in need. Since 2011, Wisconsin residents, travelers, and businesses contributed more than 103,400 winter items, which have been donated to charities across the state.

“Thanks to the kindness of local organizations who serve as collection sites and the generosity of individuals and businesses that donate, this program has been a tremendous success over the past several years,” Walker said. “We can’t thank the tourism industry members enough for their participation and the people of Wisconsin for donating to this great cause.”

Travel Wisconsin Welcome Centers, tourist information centers, businesses and offices across the state are serving as drop-off sites today through Jan. 2. A complete list of locations is available at travelwisconsin.com/bigbundleup.

Source:  Walker press release

Congressman Mike Gallagher

Rep. Gallagher released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) on Nov. 15:  “Over the last 31 years, our tax code has morphed into an outdated, unfair, and complicated mess that punishes working families and employers in Northeast Wisconsin. This status quo – an unfair, broken system written by special interests for special interests – is unacceptable. Our bill begins to move the ball down the field in a better direction, especially for those in our community who are struggling to survive paycheck to paycheck. With this tax reform the average working family in Northeast Wisconsin will be able to keep $2,000 more of their hard-earned pay each year – and they won’t have to spend that money to hire someone else to do their taxes. Lower rates and a simplified code will allow smaller employers in the 8th District to buy new equipment and invest in workers’ wages so that they can be competitive in the global marketplace. Our reforms will also incentivize large employers to return to the US from overseas –bringing with them good paying, middle-class jobs – and reinvest in our local communities. There is still plenty of work to be done, and no bill is perfect, but ultimately this is about allowing families in Northeast Wisconsin to make choices on how they spend their money, rather than laundering their money through special interests in Washington, D.C. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to do their part so that the hardworking taxpayers in the 8th District can get the relief they need and deserve.”

Source:  Gallagher press release

Senator Tammy Baldwin

Sen. Baldwin said she’s glad the Senate’s Ethics Committee will investigate sexual harassment charges against Minnesota U.S. Sen. Al Franken. Franken apologized last week following allegations he forcibly kissed a woman in 2006 and posed for a photo with his hands on her breasts as she slept. “This type of behavior isn’t acceptable whether it’s from a Democrat or a Republican or an Independent,” Baldwin told MSNBC. “I am glad that it is going to the Ethics Committee in the Senate for an investigation.” Shortly after the Franken news became public, Republicans called on Democrats to return donations from the Minnesota senator’s political action committee. Baldwin quickly announced that she would donate Franken’s contributions. “I will say for my part, I will be donating campaign contributions from Sen. Franken to a women’s veteran initiative in the state of Wisconsin,” Baldwin said.

Source:  Wisconsin Public Radio

Senator Ron Johnson

Sen. Johnson issued the following statement regarding the tax reform proposals currently being discussed in Congress:  “We have an opportunity to enact paradigm-shifting tax reform that makes American businesses globally competitive, helps our economy reach its full potential, and creates greater opportunity and bigger paychecks for every American. In doing so, it is important to maintain the domestic competitive position and balance between large publicly traded C corporations and “pass-through entities” (subchapter S corporations, partnerships and sole proprietorships). These businesses truly are the engines of innovation and job creation throughout our economy, and they should not be left behind. Unfortunately, neither the House nor Senate bill provide fair treatment, so I do not support either in their current versions. I do, however, look forward to working with my colleagues to address the disparity so I can support the final version.”

Source:  Johnson press release

President Donald Trump

President Trump took to Twitter to criticize Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch Monday after photographs surfaced showing Lynch standing during the Mexican national anthem and sitting during the US national anthem at a game against the New England Patriots in Mexico City on Sunday.

“Marshawn Lynch of the NFL’s Oakland Raiders stands for the Mexican Anthem and sits down to boos for our National Anthem. Great disrespect! Next time NFL should suspend him for remainder of season. Attendance and ratings way down,” he tweeted.

Source:  cnn.com