(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
GREENDALE, Wis. — Republican gubernatorial candidate and Congressman Tom Tiffany unveiled two major economic proposals Tuesday, calling for an end to Wisconsin’s vehicle emissions testing requirement and promising to eliminate state income taxes on tips and overtime pay.
During an event in Greendale, Tiffany said Wisconsin’s emissions testing system is outdated and places unnecessary burdens on drivers in seven southeastern Wisconsin counties. He said many residents are forced to take time out of their schedules every two years to travel to testing sites and pay for repairs in order to renew their vehicle registrations.
Tiffany argued that modern vehicles are cleaner and more efficient than they were when the emissions testing program began decades ago. He said the requirement is no longer justified and disproportionately hurts lower-income residents who may struggle to afford repairs needed to pass testing.
If elected governor, Tiffany said he would seek a federal waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency to eliminate the testing requirement. He pointed to his relationship with EPA Director Lee Zeldin and said he would work directly with federal officials to pursue the change.
Tiffany also said Wisconsin should focus more on pollution that crosses into the state from neighboring areas, particularly emissions originating in the Chicago region and moving north along Lake Michigan. He said Wisconsin drivers should not be penalized for pollution sources outside the state.
Later in the day, Tiffany appeared in Wausau to announce another economic proposal aimed at eliminating state income taxes on tips and overtime wages.
Tiffany said workers in service industries, construction, healthcare, manufacturing and public safety should be allowed to keep more of their earnings. He said the plan would benefit bartenders, servers, nurses, firefighters, machine operators and other employees who frequently rely on tips or overtime hours.
Tiffany was joined in Wausau by local business leaders, including Kent Olson, owner of Sourdough & Co., who said eliminating taxes on tips would help restaurants attract and retain workers. Cory Sillars of Dan Sillars General Contractor Inc. also backed the proposal, saying many workers in the construction industry regularly depend on overtime pay.
Tiffany pointed to legislation already moving through Madison, including Assembly Bill 461, which would eliminate taxes on overtime, and Senate Bill 36, which would eliminate taxes on tips. Both measures are currently awaiting action from Gov. Tony Evers.
Tiffany also criticized Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Francesca Hong, saying she opposed efforts to eliminate taxes on overtime and did not participate in the vote on ending taxes on tips.
The proposals are likely to become central parts of Tiffany’s campaign message as he continues building support ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial race.
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5 Responses
While we are at it, can we get rid of the time change too please?
Yes.
Also fuel minimum mark-up law
I would also like him NOT to tax gasoline-using hybrids as if they were electric vehicles. I am sick of paying three times as much as everyone else for our license renewal.
Own the scam.