Today, JSOnline reported that 2 out of every 5 children in this state will qualify for subsidized lunch programs.
To be eligible for free lunch, a student must come from a family (say a family of four as example) earning $28,655/year or less.
Reduced-price lunches are available to students whose families have incomes which amount to $40, 793 for a family of four.
Statistically, it's reported that the average public school teacher earns $49,000.
(I have a family of five and for starters will lose $630/month from my family’s income as a result of Governor Walker’s cuts.)
After Walker’s cuts and without collective bargaining to help the average worker empower themselves, the average Wisconsin teacher’s kids will qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Does it appear the families of Wisconsin teachers have too much?
Wisconsin governor defends budget bill as opposition persists
By the CNN Wire Staff
"The state's Legislative Fiscal Bureau -- similar to the federal government's Congressional Budget Office -- reported last month that tax cuts passed late last year by Wisconsin's newly elected, Republican-led legislature had helped add more than $200 million to the state's budget shortfall."
By WTMJ Radio
Story Updated: Jan 27, 2011
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Republican Gov. Scott Walker scored more victories Thursday, signing a major lawsuit reform bill into law and watching as the Legislature approved a tax cut for businesses that he says will create new jobs.
Walker had promised swift action to show that Wisconsin, in his words, is "open for business." Even though most of his measures have received some support from Democrats, critics argue they are largely symbolic and will do little to actually create jobs or improve the state's economy.
Senate Democrats said the latest tax cut measure, expected to cost the state $67 million over two years, was too expensive given the projected $3 billion shortfall in the two-year budget. They also said the tax bill, which would give businesses deductions worth $92 to $316 per job, wouldn't be enough by itself to get businesses to hire more people.
That bill is the third tax cut the Legislature has passed this month. Walker has already signed into law a measure that eliminates income taxes on contributions made to health savings accounts. Another bill awaiting his signature would eliminate corporate and personal income taxes on companies that relocate to Wisconsin.
The average worker in the private sector is not faring much better. Yes, today’s average worker has it tough.
In the state of Wisconsin, a single person making just over $20,000 pays 6.5% in income tax. A single person making over $150,000 pays 6.75% of his income to the state in the form of income tax.
Does that seem fair to anyone?
A married couple in the state of Wisconsin making just under $27,000 pays income tax at a rate of 6.5%. If this married couple has three children, this figure is just $2,000 over the poverty level. A married couple making over $201,000 pays state income tax at a 6.75% clip.
Does that seem fair?
Today’s battle in Wisconsin is not about unions per se – it’s about fairness – it’s about families struggling to survive.
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