MADISON, WI – On March 14th, Representative Lori Palmeri (D-Oshkosh), along with fellow members of the Assembly Democratic Caucus introduced a proposal to use $1.3 billion of the state’s surplus to hold property taxes and increase general aid funding for Wisconsin public schools.
Rep. Palmeri released the following statement:
“Budget after budget, we have witnessed the majority party fail to adequately invest in our public education system. This has left Wisconsinites with an impossible choice. Vote to increase their property taxes, despite an affordability crisis, or risk their children’s education. Assembly Democrats have decided that enough is enough. The state should honor its budget promises period. We have proposed a plan that will produce a real solution to the problems that Wisconsin residents are facing daily”, stated Rep. Palmeri.
“As former Mayor of the City of Oshkosh, I am aware of the sacrifices our communities have asked residents to make in order to fund essential services. Our proposal funds public schools while also reducing property taxes.
“Investing $1.3 billion of our surplus will support students and teachers while shifting financial responsibility from local property taxpayers to the state. Increasing general aid and special education reimbursement will create a more reliable budgets with less uncertainty. This will deliver property tax relief and reduce the need for referendums.
“This solution prioritizes meaningful investment in public schools and therefore our residents. The State of Wisconsin can and should be investing in our students and providing tangible financial relief for our residents with our surplus dollars.
