Wisconsin’s Gubernatorial Candidates faced off in the only debate between the two on Wednesday night, as they clashed on major issues on Wisconsinites minds heading into the mid-terms.
Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany and Democratic Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley met at Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee. Where they debated: taxes, data centers, abortion, education, transportation and election integrity. Both candidates emphasized Wisconsin’s rising cost of living, and proposed considerably different solutions. (RELATED: Toney Challenges Kaul on Drug Investigations, Crime Lab Delays in AG Debate)
Tiffany reiterated his commitment to returning Wisconsin’s nearly $3 billion projected budget surplus to taxpayers through long-term tax reductions. Tiffany’s affordability proposal includes a 10% income tax reduction for families earning less than $150,000 annually, limiting property tax increases and reducing regulations on businesses.
Crowley argued using state resources to address rising childcare, healthcare and education expenses. When asked whether he would establish a higher tax bracket for wealthy residents, Crowley dodged and declined to provide a specific threshold. Instead, advocating a broader review of the Wisconsin tax system. Tiffany rebutted saying the state government should prioritize returning existing revenue to taxpayers rather than introducing additional spending programs.
The candidates disagreed over tax incentives for large data centers, which have become controversial across Wisconsin. Tiffany accused Crowley of changing his position on approximately $2 billion in sales tax exemptions benefiting data centers. Crowley recently announced support for repealing the exemption after previously suggesting it should be reviewed as part of broader tax reform.
Crowley also shot back at Tiffany, using his voting record in Congress. The main provision was the $68 billion tax break that was included in the 900 page federal budget package. So in theory, Tiffany did vote for this tax break, but it was not a direct endorsement of the break itself. (RELATED: Milwaukee Taxpayers Paid to Keep the Brewers. Now They Can’t Afford the Tickets)
On the topic of abortion, Tiffany said he would not sign legislation banning abortions after six weeks, despite previously introducing similar federal legislation. He instead expressed support for a 20-week restriction. Crowley on the other hand, refused to say an exact value on what he believed would be appropriate. Instead, when he was asked his opinion on abortion up to 9 months, he said that they are “discussions that need to be made between a doctor and a patient.”
Crowley and Tiffany will not have any more debates or meetings ahead of the midterms that are just under two weeks away. Instead they will focus their campaign across Wisconsin doing events all the way until election day.
