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Congratulations everyone you did it!

The Ways and Means Committee voted unanimously (13-0) to support the proposal for the $1,000 Wisconsin income tax credit for the purchase of a hybrid!

It is because of the support of people on this site and others that this bill is going forward.

The next step will be for it to go on to the assembly.

It will need to get on the schedule for discussion on the Assembly floor. Realistically, this may not happen for a while (September or later?), but you certainly can send your feedback to Assembly leaders Jeff Fitzgerald (R) and James Kreuser (D), especially if you live in their districts.

Let them know you are in favor of AB 174 and will be watching for them to bring it to the assembly floor for discussion. I've attached a template similar to the last one that will get you started. I have also attached the press release regarding the bill's committee vote.


Representative
Assembly Leader (R)
Jeff Fitzgerald
39th Assembly District
Republican
Rep.Fitzgerald@legis.wisconsin.gov
(Horicon, etc)
Map http://www.legis.state.wi.us//Assembly/asm39/Adist39.pdf

Representative
Assembly Leader (D)
James Kreuser
64th Assembly District
Democrat
Rep.Kreuser@legis.wisconsin.gov
(Kenosha, etc)
Map http://www.legis.state.wi.us//Assembly/asm64/Adist64.pdf

Also, don't forget to go back and thank any of the representatives you originally contacted.

Together we can make a difference!

--
Eric

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Representatives Fitzgerald and Kreuser:

I was pleased to learn that the Ways and Means Committee voted June 13th to unanimously support AB 174, the proposed $1000 tax credit for hybrid-electric motor vehicles. Next, I look forward to you scheduling this bill for discussion on the assembly floor at your earliest convenience.

As a hybrid car owner, I decided to purchase my vehicle because I care deeply about cleaner emissions and wanted to support a much-needed technology in the automotive industry. The cost of my vehicle was higher than its non-hybrid counterpart, but I felt the investment was worthwhile and was one I could financially afford to make. However, many people purchase their vehicles based primarily on the bottom-line cost. The tax credit would be one way of providing a purchasing incentive to those who are worried about spending more for a hybrid vehicle. While national tax credits are decreasing, Wisconsin's initiative to provide a tax credit will show that our state cares about air quality, decreased gas consumption, and innovative technologies.

We need to take all steps possible to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and to reduce emissions to keep our planet healthy and livable. I am in favor of the proposed tax credit and wanted to communicate my strong support to you and other members of the assembly.

Thank you again for your consideration of this bill.


Sincerely,



Susie Voter
Hybridtown, Wisconsin

Here is the official Press release about the bill getting out of committee:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
June 13, 2007 Joe Parisi 266-5342

Hybrid Tax Credit Clears Key Committee

The Assembly Ways and Means Committee today voted unanimously to
support a proposal that would create a $1,000 income tax credit for the
purchase of a fuel efficient hybrid automobile. The bill’s author, state
Representative Joe Parisi (D-Madison), expressed optimism that the bill
would go on to pass the full legislature.

Parisi said the unanimous vote in support of the proposal showed that the
issue of energy independence transcends partisan labels.

“This is a common sense proposal that both Republicans and Democrats can
support,” said Parisi.

“The best way to wean ourselves from foreign oil is through technology that
makes our automobiles more efficient and saves consumers money,” he said.
Parisi said policies that encourage energy efficiency must be included as part
of our overall strategy to become energy independent.
“With gas near $3.50 a gallon we are seeing more money flowing out of our
state and less expendable income in the pockets of Wisconsin consumers.
It’s time to lessen our dependence on this unstable source of energy and
promote technologies that will lesson the effect of rising gas prices,” he said.

Great quote from Parisi.