Walker’s tax holiday proposal called a “gimmick”

Walker’s “holiday” would cost state $11 million

At least one group in Wisconsin is calling Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s new plan for a sales tax holiday, a “gimmick.” 

Walker introduced the plan this week as a way to, in his words, “ease the tax burden” on those buying school supplies, computers and clothing during a two-day period in August. The group, Wisconsinites for Consumer Freedom, calls tax holidays a gimmick and bad tax policy.

Its preference would be to end the state’s antiquated minimum mark-up law and other restrictions on selling items below cost – a move that would have little impact on a state budget but save money for consumers all year round, rather than just during one weekend in August.

In a statement released after the announcement of his tax holiday plan, Walker’s office says his two-day holiday would cost the state $11 million in annual tax revenue.