04/11/08:Check Political Money For Tax Compliance - Rep. Mark Pocan
Check Political Money For Tax Compliance
The Capital Times :: EDITORIAL :: A9
Friday, April 11, 2008
Rep. Mark Pocan, Assembly District 78
Dear Editor: This past week's state Supreme Court election has once again become a spending spree between outside interest groups. It has already been documented that these third-party organizations have already spent at least $3 million and will more than likely surpass the $3.1 million spent on last year's state Supreme Court election once all the financial data are collected.
Furthermore, these organizations spent at least $15 million during the 2006 general election, according to the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, and they will more than likely spend millions more during the upcoming fall election.
While these contributions are intended to be treated as lobbying activities and therefore not tax-deductible, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue should take a close look at these expenses when conducting audits of these corporations that fund these radio and television commercials. It would be illegal to deduct the amount they spend on these activities, and if done, that would cheat honest businesses and taxpayers in our state.
At a time when Wisconsin is facing a $652 million budget deficit, I would hope that corporations are following the law and not receiving a tax break when influencing our elections.
The Capital Times :: EDITORIAL :: A9
Friday, April 11, 2008
Rep. Mark Pocan, Assembly District 78
Dear Editor: This past week's state Supreme Court election has once again become a spending spree between outside interest groups. It has already been documented that these third-party organizations have already spent at least $3 million and will more than likely surpass the $3.1 million spent on last year's state Supreme Court election once all the financial data are collected.
Furthermore, these organizations spent at least $15 million during the 2006 general election, according to the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, and they will more than likely spend millions more during the upcoming fall election.
While these contributions are intended to be treated as lobbying activities and therefore not tax-deductible, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue should take a close look at these expenses when conducting audits of these corporations that fund these radio and television commercials. It would be illegal to deduct the amount they spend on these activities, and if done, that would cheat honest businesses and taxpayers in our state.
At a time when Wisconsin is facing a $652 million budget deficit, I would hope that corporations are following the law and not receiving a tax break when influencing our elections.
Submitted by wnpj on Fri, 04/25/2008 - 3:32pm.