Gov. Scott Walker unveiled signs Tuesday announcing to Minnesota and Illinois residents that Wisconsin is ""open for business,"" while reaching an agreement with fellow Republicans to cut taxes for small businesses.
The agreement would give a $2,000 to $4,000 tax break to companies for each job created, costing the state an estimated $33 million a year, state Rep. Robin Vos, R-Burlington, told the Associated Press.
The signs, placed at the border, and the tax breaks represent part of a broader campaign to attract businesses from other states through lower taxes, in contrast to Illinois, where the House of Representatives recently passed a bill that would raise taxes.
""The pro-growth initiatives I support stand in stark contrast to those policies being discussed in our bordering states,"" Walker said in a statement. ""These signs are aimed directly at job creators to make them aware that they are welcome here.""
The 23 signs, which traditionally carry the governor's name rather than a slogan, will cost $1,495 and will represent one part of a feud with Wisconsin's neighboring states over taxes.
Last week, Illinois raised its income tax from 3 to 5 percent, still lower than people in Wisconsin making more than $10,000, and its corporate income tax from 7.3 to 9.5 percent, higher than Wisconsin's 7.9 percent, according to the Tax Foundation, a think tank in Washington D.C.
Wisconsin also entered a feud with Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton, who wrote a letter to Walker claiming the state owes them $58 million from a tax reciprocity deal and $4,500 per day in interest.
Walker remained confident that his tax policies would attract businesses and boost the economy.
""Years ago Wisconsin had a tourism advertising campaign targeted to Illinois with the motto, ‘Escape to Wisconsin,'"" Walker said in a statement. ""Today we renew that call to Illinois businesses, ‘Escape to Wisconsin.' You are welcome here.""
