Wisconsin State Rep. Proposes Tax Break for Newspapers

By: A Wisconsin state lawmaker says he wants to save newspapers even though he admits to sometimes hating reporters.

Democratic state Rep. Marlin Schneider, a 39-year veteran from Wisconsin Rapids, said Tuesday he's proposing a property tax break for newspapers even though "some days I hate your guts" and "you guys jerk me around all the time."

Schneider says that rocky relationship will protect him from accusations that he's doing favors for the industry. He says it's all about preserving newspapers in a time of staff reductions, mergers and bankruptcies.

There is no cost estimate yet on how much it would cost to allow newspaper buildings to be exempt from property taxes.

Schneider says he has not consulted with any newspapers or industry groups.