Candidates spar over issues facing Wisconsin

Candidates for the newly-redistricted 45th State Assembly District gathered at the Beloit Public Library Wednesday night to discuss topics that ranged from balancing the state budget to second amendment rights.

The debate was sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Beloit and the Rock County Youth2Youth program. Randall Upton, president of the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce, served as moderator.

The race features two Democratic candidates and two Republican candidates looking to grab the nominations for Novembers general election. The primary election is set for Tuesday.

The Republicans in the race are two Orfordville Village Board members, Russell Rucker and Beth Schmidt, and the two Democrats are Beloit City Council member Sheila DeForest and state Rep. Janis Ringhand, D-Evansville.

The first question dealt with balancing the state budget. Upton asked the candidates whether or not they supported increasing the tax on alcohol and if there was a need to restructure the tax code.

Schmidt said the legislature needs to be careful when raising taxes on alcohol. She said both the state and the federal governments need to restructure the tax code.

I would definitely sit at the table along with legislators in Madison and look at ways that we could really do something that would be fair for everybody across the board, she said.

DeForest said the state is in desperate need for tax equity.

The wealthier need to pay their fair share, she said. Thats not happening right now.

DeForest said she doesnt believe that tax cuts for the wealthy will create more jobs.

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Candidates spar over issues facing Wisconsin