Tax-dodging millionaire leading GOP’s budget blockade
Sen. Stroebel calling the shots as Republicans block funding for schools, roads and vet care
Aerial photo of Stroebel mansion
MADISON, WI – Republican Senator Duey Stroebel (R – Saukville) has recently emerged as one of the leading voices in the State Legislature opposed to budget investments in Wisconsin’s schools, roads, and veterans care. Recent reports show that the millionaire senator has avoided paying state income taxes while taking thousands in government subsidies.
“When millionaires like Sen. Stroebel avoid paying state taxes, they shortchange local residents and shift the burden onto hardworking families,” said Matt Ullsvik, SSDC Executive Director. “Sen. Stroebel has spent his entire political career gaming the system and profiting off the hard work of others. His efforts to delay road projects, cut worker wages and expand tax breaks for the wealthy are being embraced by a Republican majority that’s increasingly out-of-touch with middle-class families and values.”
Taking their lead from Sen. Stroebel, Senate Republicans have refused to put forward a long-term transportation funding solution. Key members of the budget-writing Joint Finance Committee such as Sheila Harsdorf (R – River Falls), Tom Tiffany (R – Hazelhurst) and Luther Olsen (R – Ripon) have sided with Stroebel to block road funding and increase state debt.
“Our schools need funding, our roads need fixing and our veterans deserve better health care” said Ullsvik. “We need leaders who are willing to make the tough choices and do what’s right for Wisconsin’s working families rather than siding with tax-dodging millionaires.”
Sen. Stroebel owns a mansion in Ozaukee County and nearly 300 acres surrounding it. A review of state and federal records revealed Stroebel has taken tens of thousands of dollars in state and federal government subsidies and tax breaks while routinely reporting no personal state income tax liability. While Sen. Stroebel isn’t a farmer by profession, he has taken federal agriculture subsidies totaling over $63,000. A large portion of his estate has been enrolled in the state Managed Forest Land program that provides breaks of up to 75 percent on property taxes.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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Recent Press Releases by Wisconsin State Senate Democratic Committee
Sad to say, he’s unopposed for re-election.
Is Sen. Stroebel’s tax returns online? I want to see them. I would like to know what tax laws are being massaged by his high priced tax lawyers and accountants. When, and by whom, were these tax laws written, and voted on, that favor our most wealthy citizens, like Sen Stroebel? Did ever write tax laws that favor him and other very wealthy citizens? Did he vote “yes” on laws that allow him to pay reduced taxes or no taxes? Are these tax laws followed as to the original intent of the law or purposely being twisted to mean something other than that intent. Why should people who pay no taxes be elected to offices to rule over people who pay taxes. To paraphrase Trump…if paying no taxes is smart, then those who pay taxes are stupid.
And, what about the subsidies these wealthy business people demand. Free market for them should mean no subsidies or any special help. They should be pulling themselves up by their own bootstraps and not asking the taxpayers for any help.
If rich people are not required to pay at least a minimum amount toward state and country…why should we elect them as “our” representatives/senators? “Taxation without representation is tyranny” and so is having senators/representatives who pay no income taxes. If we all fail to pay taxes our nation will fail. Sen.Stroebel, wearing a flag pin in your lapel does not make you a patriot. The true patriot is one who supports their country by service, devotion to the common good, doing their civic duty and their willingness to pay their fair share in taxes to keep America strong and productive.
County executive Chris Abele, a millionaire heir and dabbler in business, also has paid no state taxes for years.
Both state and federal tax laws have been written to ensure massive tax breaks for the super-rich. Our infrastructure continues to collapse and basic services are being cut beyond the bone because those at the top are paying less and less in taxes. It’s unsustainable.
Rich people believe they are simply “smart” to push for tax laws that personally them and exploit them to the nth degree. The “greater good” has all but disappeared as a popular concept, especially in Wisconsin recently. It’s the opposite of our proud heritage for eons.
Um, looking at that aerial photo, that pretty much does look like the textbook definition of a ‘Managed Forest’ outside of the residence perimeter. Would the SSDC prefer he clear-cut or pave it?
Ozaukee County Entitled Welfare Queen. They’re everywhere.