If you’ve been a regular reader, you know that Milwaukee city and Milwaukee County have been in financial peril for some time now. In an attempt to help, politicians have pitched a shared revenue bill for the city; except there’s a catch.
Here’s Five Fast Facts Milwaukee’s Shared Revenue Bill:
- 💰 Makes Cents - The bill gives a penny (which is 20%) of our sales tax to local governments. Both Republicans and Democrats are in agreement on that.
- 🗳️ Restrictions Apply - The sticking point is the fine print. The bill allows Milwaukee to implement a 2% sales tax and Milwaukee County a 0.375% sales tax for unfunded pension liabilities. It would ultimately give $22M to Milwaukee’s city budget. However, it will require a referendum that would need voter approval.
- 🚓 This and That - Much of the Republicans’ draft includes unrelated items, like the use of funds to pay for a streetcar (that’s oddly specific) and changing the structure of the police and fire commissions.
- ⛔ Nope - Milwaukee leadership (aside from the mayor who hasn’t commented) hates it for a variety of different reasons. Some say that making it a referendum gives it a strong chance of failing.
- 🙅♂️ Non Starter - Gov. Evers has already threatened to veto the bill, saying it doesn’t give enough and puts too many restrictions on local operations.
🔥Bottom line: As usual, whatever side of the political spectrum you’re on will probably determine how you feel about this bill. The most important part of all of this is that our largest city is in danger and something needs to be done before it’s too late. Seriously, though, why do they hate the streetcar?
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