Madison – Yesterday, the Assembly was brought into session to vote on Assembly Bill (AB) 245. This bill is a large omnibus bill that would amend the shared revenue formula, address the retirement systems of Milwaukee, eliminate the personal property tax, and much more. Representative Dave Considine (D-Baraboo) issued the following statement on yesterday’s floor session:
“We first heard about AB 245 as a bill that would amend the stared revenue formula, eliminate personal property tax, and help support our local governments. That is laudable. However, AB 245 has much more policy than merely shared revenue and the removal of personal property tax. Our communities need a real investment from the state without harmful strings attached.
“The bill that came before me yesterday was not ready for a vote. After the hometown hero ceremony and voting on resolutions, Republicans immediately went into caucus. It is clear that they were not prepared to vote on this bill. For weeks, my colleagues across the aisle have stated that they would put forth amendments to AB 245, but even as session began yesterday, none had been shared. Hours later, we received an amendment that did not make compromise.
“I am disheartened by the policy provisions included in AB 245. One provision would prohibit Milwaukee from using any money raised by levying taxes on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This is not only an over reach of power, but also a harmful and hateful action. The elimination of these initiatives does not fix any of our states problems. Instead, it sends a message that we are not a welcoming state. We cannot allow our state to move backward.
“Another provision would diminish local control in every community in our state. This bill legislates how communities can use shared revenue funding. As a strong proponent of local control, I believe this is unacceptable.
“I am a co-sponsor of an amendment that would give communities in our district and across the state more money than any other plan, without any other policy provisions. This plan would give local governments their fair share without stripping them from their abilities to make decisions about their own communities.”
