State Sen. Jim Sullivan would have learned a few things if he would have attended the CYP tour at the Great Lakes Distillery last week.  Guy Rehorst told us all about the many challenges he faced in building a successful business.  It is sad to hear an entrepreneur explain that against all odds he succeeded…sad because the “against all odds” part has nothing to do with stiff competition, lack of start-up capital, or sluggish consumer activity.  No, here in the great state of Wisconsin all too often the “against all odds” part is our very own state and local government. 

Instead of creating an environment receptive to growth and ingenuity (which can be done by implementing reasonable and targeted regulation, as opposed to burdensome and broad policies, and by encouraging wealth creation and job growth by cutting taxes), government often targets the very sectors of the economy which are growing. 

In a desperate attempt to appear bipartisan, Sen. Sullivan attacked both Republicans and Democrats for not immediately embracing a job-killing 58% increase in the state liquor tax.  What affect does he think this will have on local business?  Obviously something needs to be done in this state with respect to the terrible culture of drunk driving.  However, reflexively beginning the analysis with a call for a job-killing tax is not the way to go about it.

Fortunately, in one year the voters in Sen. Sullivan’s district will have a choice between continuing the reflexive tax increase philosphy embraced by Sen. Sullivan or the outside-the-box-thinking of Rep. Vukmir.  I think you can guess who has my support.