Charlie Berens, state senator ask lawmakers to end data center sales tax exemptions
Comedian Charlie Berens and state Sen. Andre Jacque are urging Wisconsin lawmakers to support a bill that would end sales and use tax exemptions for data center developers. The exemption was included in the state budget signed by Gov. Tony Evers in July 2023 and has reportedly saved data center developers more than $1.5 billion.
Charlie Berens and Wisconsin state Sen. Andre Jacque are promoting legislation to repeal sales and use tax exemptions for data center developers. Jacque, a New Franken Republican and one of the bill's co-sponsors, said the exemption gives data centers a benefit not generally available to other businesses and argued that companies should pay taxes on computers and equipment used to build and operate their facilities.
The exemption was enacted as part of the bipartisan state budget approved by lawmakers and signed by Gov. Tony Evers in July 2023. The Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau estimates it has saved data center developers more than $1.5 billion so far. The issue could become a factor in contested races across the state, including the race for governor.