Madison – Representative Barbara Dittrich (R – Oconomowoc) proudly stood with Assembly leadership and fellow legislators at a press conference announcing a settled negotiation between both chambers of the Legislature and Governor Evers on the shared revenue package.
“When it comes to negotiations in the State Capitol, no one ever gets everything they want,” stated Rep. Dittrich. “While I will always believe the taxpayers of Milwaukee should have to vote on whether or not to raise their sales tax, there are more positive components to this bill that make it worthy of my strong support.”
The shared revenue bill includes an increase to much-needed funding for services like police, fire, and emergency services. The newly crafted changes to legislation includes a new minimum increase in funding to communities under 10,000 of 20%; the City of Milwaukee common council and Milwaukee County Board will be allowed to increase the sales tax by .4% for Milwaukee County and 2% for the city of Milwaukee with a two-thirds vote; special education funding will be increased by $97 million (33%); funding for choice and charter schools will also be increased by over $200 million; and other excellent provisions are provided as well.
“Today was also a win for the safety of our school students. Requiring that Milwaukee Public Schools place 25 school resource officers in the schools of their choice will have a positive impact on our kids. Additionally, requiring that all school districts track crimes that occur on school grounds during school hours as well as during school sanctioned events will improve their well-being.”
The revised bill will be heard on the floor of the Senate next week and likely concurred in next week’s Assembly session. Rep. Dittrich looks forward to this critical piece of legislation being advanced to the Governor’s desk for the benefit of all Wisconsinites.
