Then, we were about to enter one of the worst recessions in the state s history. Today, we look back on more than a decade of prosperity. What these years have meant for Wisconsin state government, its tax collections, spending priorities and budgeting practices, is more mixed. But a look back suggests some unmistakable trends. The past decade might be called the roaring 90 s.
Collections have out-paced growth in prices, population adjusted for inflation and personal incomes.
What if Taxes Had Only Grown With . . . There are a variety of reasons for the revenue surge. Obviously, this has been a time of prosperity for Wisconsin. The 1991 recession that slowed the country had minimal impact here. More jobs and higher incomes have spurred tax collections.