The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association scored a major victory for WBA members by passing legislation that radio and television stations with a sales tax exemption on the purchase of broadcast equipment and the supplies and electricity which are used to create radio and television products.
The victory for WBA members culminated more than three years of work by association members, the board and staff. Assembly Bill 5 was introduced on February 1, 2013 and passed by the Assembly on March 20, 2014. Just 12 days later, the Wisconsin State Senate passed the bill by 30-3. Governor Walker recently signed the bill and it will go into effect on 7/1.
The bi-partisan bill had 38 co-sponsors and another 49 legislators who committed to support the WBA’s legislative priority. In the final Assembly & Senate votes, 122 legislators supported the bill while a mere four legislators opposed the bill. For those who opposed AB-5 it was due to their opposition to sales tax exemption bills in general.
RBR-TVBR asked Michelle Vetterkind, WBA President & CEO, for some advice on getting it done in other states and how she got it done in her state:
