Madison – Communities throughout Wisconsin will win big under a compromise shared revenue plan approved by the State Assembly on Wednesday. The new deal will invest more than $260 million in vital services such as police, fire, and transportation. It will also make sure every community sees at least a 15% increase in funding. State Representative Joel Kitchens says the compromise plan is even better for area cities and towns.
“For too long, shared revenue underfunded our towns, villages, and cities, especially smaller communities,” Kitchens said, “This is the largest investment in local government in a generation and it’s about time we did it.”
Shared revenue is a state-run program that delivers funding to local governments. Many local officials believe funding from shared revenue is inconsistent and doesn’t keep up with costs. The new bipartisan plan protects taxpayers and vital services.
Shared Revenue Reform
- Returns 20% of sales tax to local governments with every local government in our area receiving at least a 15% increase
- Invests more than $260 million in law enforcement, fire, EMS, public works, and transportation
- Protects law enforcement from funding cuts and doubles funding for officer training
- Triples grants to upgrade 911 systems
- Creates a $300 million innovation fund to encourage local governments to be more efficient
- Repeals the Personal Property Tax
“This isn’t just about giving locals more money, it also will make sure people get the help they need if they have to call 9-1-1,” Kitchens said, “These are real investments in public safety that will make our communities safer.”
Representative Kitchens represents Door, Kewaunee, and parts of Brown County.
