Gov. Scott Walker, in a recent opinion column, states he wants to protect the middle class and hold the line on taxes. At first glance, we were hopeful that the governor had changed his stance and listened to Wisconsinites, who have told us over and over that they care deeply about preserving such vital local services as education, police, fire protection and health care.

Sadly, a full reading revealed that, once again, reality is far different from the rhetoric of the governor’s column.

It’s time to set the record straight: Walker’s budget, in total, raises taxes and fees. It kicks the can down the road with $2.15 billion in borrowing. And it is devastating for Wisconsin’s middle class.

The highly respected, nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau’s analysis shows property taxes go up both years under the governor’s biennial budget. He also hikes fees by $110 million. In addition to general increases, property taxes would also rise by $8 million on 247,000 homeowners and renters who are already struggling to get by with his reduction of the Homestead Tax Credit.