Taxable Talk

Back in November we reported on Robert D'Angelo. Mr. D'Angelo, the former head of the Madison, Wisconsin Overture Center, was facing a variety of charges based on him running two side businesses using city facilities and not reporting the income from the businesses on his tax return. On Friday Mr. D'Angelo pleaded guilty to two counts (one of tax evasion and one of mail fraud) in a plea deal.

The indictment charged that Mr. D'Angelo made about $238,000 from his businesses. While he could face 23 years at ClubFed it's much more likely he'll serve around two years.

However, that's not the end of Mr. D'Angelo's legal troubles. He left the Overture Center when he was accused of sexual harassment. The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is still investigating those charges.

The Wisconsin State Senate approved a $66 billion (two-year) budget last week that includes $15.2 billion in new taxes. The budget includes new or increased taxes on oil companies, cigarette sales, hospitals, vehicle registrations, and real estate transfers. The proposed budget does include universal health care (a $15 billion proposal that may violate Federal ERISA rules) and over 150 other changes.

As I read the story in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal, I wasn't surprised to find that the Democrats control the State Senate in Wisconsin. Luckily for taxpayers, Republicans control the Wisconsin State Assembly. It's certain that the budget in its current form won't be approved.

Wisconsin already has the 7th worst tax burden in the United States (according to the Tax Foundation). Apparently that's not good enough for the Democrats in the Dairy State.