New Study Shows GOP Legislators Not Doing Their Jobs, Neglecting Local Schools Has Led to Higher Property Taxes for Wisconsin Families

MADISON, Wis. — A recent study shows how legislative Republicans’ long-standing refusal to adequately fund our local schools is increasing costs for Wisconsinites, finding this year’s K-12 public schools portion of property taxes will be $327.2 million more than last year.

Driving the property tax increases are a record number of school referendums passed by local taxpayers in recent years and a shortfall in state general school aid provided to local schools under revenue limits. And all of this can be traced back to legislative Republicans significantly cutting school funding levels proposed by Gov. Tony Evers and Democrats.

A Better Wisconsin Together Deputy Director Mike Browne says it doesn’t have to be that way, “The Republican controlled state legislature is sitting on a multi-billion dollar budget surplus that they could utilize to ensure our public schools have the funds they need to thrive while also delivering property tax savings for hardworking families,” said Browne.

Republican legislators have repeatedly taken proposed funding for public schools and instead offered tax schemes to largely benefit the wealthiest few while average Wisconsin families and schools are left behind. But now that we’ve elected a legislature under new fair maps, Wisconsinites have the power to demand better.

“With a new legislative session and budget negotiations soon approaching, the time is now for Wisconsinites to demand that our state legislature deliver property tax savings for average working families by fully funding our public schools,” said Browne.

Call your legislator today at 1-800-362-9472 and demand they begin the new year by adequately funding our local schools and cutting property taxes for average working families instead of lining the pockets of their wealthy donors.