Jason LaSage to Run for State Assembly

By Barry S. Karpinski II
Posted: May 30, 2008

Today, former two-term Germantown school board member and life-long 24th district resident, Jason LaSage, announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination to the Wisconsin State Assembly. "I truly enjoy listening to citizens' concerns and working with people from all walks of life for the betterment of our community," he said. Chief among LaSage's priorities is reining in taxes and government spending, which is far out pacing our ability to pay. He believes that government needs to operate more like a business. "Businesses and families throughout the state have to examine every item in their budget and weigh the value of their expenditures. Government needs to follow the same process rather than constantly going back to the taxpayers for more money."

Jason LaSage believes that lower taxes, fewer regulations on businesses and individuals, and reducing government spending, will create a healthier climate for growth and economic opportunity in our state. "The road to prosperity in Wisconsin is not paved with big government spending, taxes, regulations and borrowing. Wisconsin instantly saw the benefit from tax credits for the movie industry to film in our state. We need to use similar incentives to attract and retain other businesses to our area." Additionally, "We need to lower the gas tax and end state ethanol subsidies," said LaSage. "In the midst of rapidly rising gas and food prices, government should not be using our tax dollars to encourage the production of ethanol, an inefficient product that could never survive on its own in the free market."

Education is another priority for LaSage. He believes supporting local control through reducing unfunded mandates and cutting red tape are key components to strengthening our school system. "We have outstanding schools in the area with excellent teachers, parents, administrators and board members who know more about our local educational needs and priorities than do Madison bureaucrats." LaSage also feels that we need to work for a more equitable funding formula for education so that more of the money our assembly district taxpayers send to Madison comes back to us in state aide. Further, he believes that the state tax deduction for the Edvest (529 college savings) program contributions should be increased to help families who are struggling to fund college expenses. "Also, we need to build a strong 21st century workforce through striving for coordination and cooperation between schools and employers." Furthermore, LaSage believes that technical colleges, run by un-elected board members who raise taxes well beyond inflation year after year need to be replaced with elected representatives who are accountable to the people.

LaSage also understands that individual freedoms are paramount to our livelihood in Wisconsin. "One of the most fundamental freedoms we have is the right to vote and to know our vote hasn't been cancelled out by an illegitimate ballot." Thus, he favors a constitutional amendment requiring a photo ID to vote. LaSage also supports concealed carry legislation.

Jason LaSage will support pro-family legislation for Wisconsin that seeks to put victims rights above those of criminals. He is also pro-life.

LaSage has a bachelor's degree in communication and political science from UW-Milwaukee and is a licensed mortgage broker and securities representative, landlord and substitute teacher in the Menomonee Falls school district. Previously he worked for Strong Investments and interned for state Senator Alberta Darling. "I look forward to meeting with the residents of the 24th Assembly district and forming a dialogue on how we can work together toward common-sense conservative solutions for Wisconsin." Should you wish to contribute to moving Wisconsin forward with Jason LaSage, please call (262) 573-6360.