Client
Wisconsin Manufactures and Commerce

The Issue
Like many states, in 2003 Wisconsin faced a budget deficit. Initially the goal was to ensure that there were no tax increases in the Governor's budget. However, once the budget was presented without tax increases, attention shifted to trying to pass legislation to keep local governments from compensating for budget cuts by raising property taxes.

The Program
The goal of this series of phone programs was to active individuals in key legislative districts and eventually to demonstrate politically what the property tax freeze meant to voters. The lists we used for calling were comprised of consumers who had identified tax increases as one of their top concerns. Use of a list of self-identified supporters was very beneficial and on most projects translated into a positive response rate of over 40% - almost double the typical conversion rate. Below is an outline of some of the programs FLS helped WMC execute:

• Budget Hearing Event Turnout Calls.
• Set-up of 888 55 NO Tax Inbound Patch Hotline
• Automated Calls Driving People to 888 55 NO Tax
• Patch Calls to Governor, State House and Senate
• Issue Advocacy During Key Political Race
• Rally Event Turnout Calls
  

The Result
While a property tax freeze was not passed in 2003, significant strides were made towards passing a Taxpayer's Bill of Rights in Wisconsin. The efforts of 2003 additionally made capping taxes a hot political issue.

Call FLS for your next grassroots project at 866-fls-2002, or e-mail info@flsphones.com