GREEN BAY, WI — State Representative Amaad Rivera-Wagner (D-Green Bay) is calling on the Green Bay Common Council to vote yes on a tax transparency proposal at the April 15th Council meeting. The measure would add a simple line item to property tax bills indicating the amount of local taxpayer funding allocated to private voucher schools—at no additional cost to taxpayers.
“This is a commonsense, no-cost step that gives residents clear, accessible information about where their education dollars are going,” said Rep. Rivera-Wagner, who represents nearly 60% of the city of Green Bay. “Every year, more than $8.9 million in local taxpayer funds are redirected from our public schools to voucher schools. Most taxpayers have no idea this is happening. It’s time to change that.”
The tax transparency proposal is informational only. It does not raise taxes, shift funding, or change school budgets. Its sole purpose is to increase public awareness and accountability by including voucher school funding on tax bills—alongside existing information on public schools and municipal services.
There is broad-based community support for this simple measure, as indicated by the support of the Green Bay Public Schools.
“At a time when our public schools are facing threats of funding cuts by the federal government despite growing needs, it’s more important than ever to make sure residents understand how public education is being funded,” said Rivera-Wagner. “This proposal isn’t about politics—it’s about honesty, transparency, and giving people the information they deserve.”
Rivera-Wagner is urging the Common Council to support the measure during their April 15th meeting, stating that transparency builds stronger communities and more informed public debate.
