The Milwaukee Post

10 • Milwaukee County Post • April 20, 2018 By REP. F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER JR. Great news for Wisconsinites: Tuesday was Tax Day 2018, and it marked the last day that you'll be burdened by an outdated and cumbersome tax code. Filing your taxes under the pro-family, pro-growth Tax Cuts & Jobs Act will be fairer and simpler than ever before. Since the tax code's last overhaul in 1986, our code has exploded into more than 70,000 pages of loopholes and carve-outs, making it time-consuming and frustrating for families and small businesses to complete their taxes. Reform was long overdue. Fortunately, after Tuesday's tax filing deadline, those frustrations have become history. Under our new system, every American can take advantage of the doubled standard deduction. Additionally, families can utilize an increased child tax credit. And no one will be forced to pay a penalty tax for decid- ing to forgo purchasing health insurance. Immediately after President Trump signed the tax bill into law, Americans across the country began reaping the benefits of tax reform. In February, the IRS issued new tax withhold- ing instructions to busi- nesses, allowing 90 per- cent of American employees to take home bigger paychecks. Not only are most Americans keeping more of their hard- earned money, but many of them have also received additional perks from their employers, often coming in the form of cash bonuses, retirement investments, and increased benefits. For example, as a direct result of the tax cuts, full-time employees at the Pewaukee- based Trico Corp. will receive $650 bonuses and increased contributions into their 401(k) accounts. The company will also hire more full-time workers to fill new positions. Town Bank, which has more than a dozen locations across southeastern Wisconsin, is raising its minimum wage to $15 an hour. And earlier this year, Sussex-based Quad/Graphics announced that it would provide $1,000 bonuses to many of its staff and invest $22 million into its employees' retirement accounts. These are just a few of the many tax reform success stories that are occurring across our state and across the nation. As of early April, 4 million workers at more than 400 businesses nationwide have received one of these benefits. New tax savings are being passed along to Wisconsinites in other ways too. The Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin projects that utility companies will save more than $275 million under the new code — a cost savings that will ultimately be realized by consumers. Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and her fellow Democrats bemoaned thousand-dol- lar bonuses as "crumbs." But, this thinking is flawed. Most American families don't think $1,000 is small change — but rather an investment in their children's college fund, a much-needed vacation, or a way to pay down debt. Ms. Pelosi also warned the tax cuts would bring "Armageddon," yet after eight years of failed policies and economic stagnation, these reforms have led to steady economic growth. There are signs of renewed eco- nomic optimism all around Wisconsin, not the least of which is our record low unem- ployment of 2.9 percent. Most significantly, the average family of four in Wisconsin's Fifth Congressional District can expect to save an additional $2,564 this year. These are real, tangible results that even the most cynical among us cannot deny. This year, Tax Day was a day to celebrate, not only because the successes of tax reform are overwhelming, but also because they are just the beginning. We promised more jobs and bigger paychecks, and so far we've deliv- ered just that for folks in Wisconsin and across America. (U.S. Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner Jr., R- Menomonee Falls, represents Wisconsin's 5th Congressional District.) New tax code a breath of fresh air for Wisconsin despite Democrats' naysaying of 'crumbs' Average family to save over $2,500 with more economic benefits to come OPINION Send your letters to: The Milwaukee Post, c/o Dan Muckelbauer, 3397 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207, or by email to: dmuck@conleynet.com. We reserve the right to edit letters for style, length and clarity. Letters should be typewritten or printed and include full name, phone number and address. Please keep your letters to no more than 400 words. Letters policy Sensenbrenner Energy infrastructure investment a great Wisconsin investment opportunity To the editor: Wisconsin residents succeed when we invest in things that accelerate our eco- nomic competitiveness. One of the most critical measures of a region's ability to compete in the emerging economy is infrastructure; smart energy, high-speed broadband and highways. Wisconsin has an historic opportunity to strategically improve that long-term economic competitiveness by committing to a significant investment in natural gas infrastructure. We can shape a vibrant future with an investment that will have a profound rip- ple effect on our business climate and our Wisconsin families' pocketbooks and quality of life. Wisconsin Infrastructure Investment Now advocates for a thoughtful, responsi- ble commitment to our transportation, energy and other infrastructure projects that create long-term value for families and employers. Low-cost energy from nat- ural gas is safe, reliable and affordable and will be a driver to growing economic opportunity here at home. WIIN supports investment in the safe and environmentally friendly natural gas delivery throughout Wisconsin as an important part of a strong future. Without this new commitment, this cost-effective energy source would need to be delivered in a costlier, less safe way that could dra- matically increase daily highway conges- tion with an overwhelming number of trucks hauling it over the road. America is witnessing an energy trans- formation by investing in emerging natu- ral gas delivery technology and thereby becoming much less reliant on overseas oil. WIIN believes Wisconsin needs to invest in this critical infrastructure to ensure our residents are strongly posi- tioned for its rewards. This reliable ener- gy source is less expensive than heating oil or electricity, more environmentally safe and can considerably reduce the highway congestion that would be required without underground delivery. In addition, it has the prospect of creating great-paying jobs here at home. WIIN strongly supports reinvesting in our state and nation's vital infrastructure to build a brighter, safer, and economical- ly vibrant Wisconsin for years to come. Terry McGowan President Wisconsin Infrastructure Investment Now Madison LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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