Hope you are doing well and having a healthy and productive fall! It’s been an exciting month in the office with a busy legislative session ahead. As we move into the fall legislative session, we continue to welcome your input and feedback.
As always, please follow myFacebook orTwitter for more frequent updates. I hope they help keep you informed and engaged with what’s going on in Madison and Milwaukee.
I hope this e-update is helpful. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (608) 266-0645. I welcome any feedback or ideas you may have. As always, please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you.
Evan Goyke State Representative 18th Assembly District
Sales Tax Legislation
This month, Sen. La Tonya Johnson and I introduced a new proposal to help move Milwaukee forward. Milwaukee is the source of the state’s largest employers, visitors and events. Like many large cities across the Midwest, it is the economic engine of the state. However, in other states, local governments are allowed more control over the revenue streams they depend on. By allowing a binding referendum to decide whether local governments can increase revenues, AB 521 allows for the City of Milwaukee to better fund its priorities without relying on property taxes.
Without the ability to retain sales tax revenue, Milwaukee has been forced to raise property taxes to cover essential services like police, fire and public works. AB 521 allows the electors of Milwaukee County to authorize an increase of Sales tax by 1%, bringing the total sales tax up to 6.5%, which is still lower than Chicago (10.25%), Minneapolis (8.025%) or Des Moines (7%). While property taxes are born exclusively by the owners or renters of property, sales taxes are generated by both residents and visitors. Local governments make investments in areas that impact our quality of life. State law should empower Milwaukee to Move Forward by holding a referendum on a local sales tax
Finally, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office by email or phone with comments on the policy.
Wisconsin Trails Briefing
I welcomed legislators, staff, and members of the public to the Capitol for a discussion on the importance of trails and recreation in Wisconsin and their economic impact to our State. It was a success! I enjoyed talking about the future of the trail system in Milwaukee— especially creating better access to trails in our city.
Retirement Task Force
I was proud to join Treasurer Sarah Godlewski in announcing the creation of Governor Tony Evers' Retirement Security Task Force earlier this month. As a member of the task force I look forward to working on this important issue. Please click the image below to see video of the announcement and my remarks:
Joint Finance Committee Settlements
By clicking the image above, you can read a column I recently wrote for theShepard Express regarding the unworkable GOP lame duck laws. While this may be "inside baseball" or "under the dome," this has greater implications for our community and State that continue to grow each day. Please take time to read below. I will be sure to keep you all updated of any developments on Facebook and Twitter!
In the District
Some of you might have seen me around the district this past month! It is important for me to stay connected with neighbors by going door to door to hear from you. I’ve enjoyed meeting new people and seeing some familiar faces. If you haven’t had a chance to fill out the Legislative survey, you can do so HERE.
Blue Books
Blue Books were delivered to our office! If you would like a book or highway map sent to you, please send us an email or call and we will send you one as supplies last.