The Goyke Report - Publication Release

April 10, 2018
 
 Contact Me  

State Capitol
P.O. Box 8952
Madison, WI 53708

PH: (608) 266-0645
TF: (888) 534-0018
FAX: (608) 282-3618

E-Mail: Rep.Goyke@legis.wi.gov
On the Web: goyke.assembly.wi.gov

Building the Bridge

"Without exception, the high-tech cities in the US are also the most liberal. But it's not because liberals are smarter that this is so. It's because liberal cities tolerate odd ideas, and smart people have odd ideas." - Silicon Valley entrepreneur Paul Graham

Tax Structure and Policy

When you buy something or get paid for doing your job, the tax revenue created from that commerce gets sent to the State Government. The State spends your money on many critical things. One is a formula called "Shared Revenue", which returns some of the money back to local units of government like villages, towns, cities and counties. Because Wisconsin's "Shared Revenue" policy hasn't been updated since 2002, municipalities like Milwaukee send more money to the state than it gets back.

By using a formula that rewards local incentives like Tax Incremental Districts, segregated barriers would be broken and  revenue would be retained within the city.

A More Competitive Region

 While local governments need individual help, our region needs greater collaboration. Since 1960, seven counties in southeast Wisconsin have joined together to form the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC). SEWRPC gives technical assistance and planning support to communities through the region. My idea is to add elected positions by equal population districts within the seven counties of SEWRPC and Authorize the entity to study, plan, and also implement regional policies on issues such as economic development, transportation, parks and recreation, housing, and environment and sustainability.

A Center for New and Small Businesses

Wisconsin's economic development strategy is top-down and antiquated. The priority to directly invest in existing large businesses siphons critical dollars away from small or emerging business. A bottom-up economic development strategy would leverage local partnerships, reduce default rates, and would better reach communities in need of capital. My policy would require the first 30% of WEDC's Investment target Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs); CDFIs in turn leverage the State's investment with private equity and philanthropic giving; CDFIs provide counseling and mentorship to new and emerging businesses.

 A Modern Transportation Network

Milwaukee's fragmented regional transit options prevent long-term economic and population growth. Though we have been on a highway building spree (Marquette, Zoo, Hale and Mitchell interchanges) we need walk-able, bike-able, ride-able environments to support a more equitable and higher quality of life that can attract and retain the talent our economy needs. The State has proposed to spend $1,200,000,000 to reconstruct and expand I-94- but what could we get if that money were spent on other non-highway transportation infrastructure? We could get 46 miles ($690 million) of Bus Rapid Transit that connects suburban job clusters with city neighborhoods; 80 miles  ($100 million) of bike/ pedestrian lanes that allow greater access to promote public health, reduce crime and attract residents; and 15 streetcar miles ($400 million) to connect the downtown streetcar to near-downtown neighborhoods while also expanding access for downtown commuters.

A Center of Educational Excellence

Socio-economic status is a major factor of educational achievement. Economically disadvantaged students within MPS have a lower graduation rate compared to their non-economically disadvantaged peers. Because of the link between school and success, MPS and colleges in Milwaukee (and around the state) are coming up with ways to help students get the education they need to be successful.

Build Safe Communities

Crime in Milwaukee can be reduced. Neighborhoods that have the necessary combination of local community leadership, nonprofits, or communities of faith and investments to organize and coordinate with local law enforcement can see substantial reeducations in crime. Targeting through place-based policing and fostering police-community relationships have proven effective in many chronically high-crime neighborhoods. Findings for these proven policies can come from smart reforms elsewhere in the criminal justice system. 

There are many factors behind each individual crime and there is no single policy that can prevent all crime. A combination of successful and proven policies and investments at the neighborhood level is needed to bring a sustained reduction of crime.

My Milwaukee

I came to Milwaukee a little over ten years ago. I didn't want to . I had an old, inaccurate belief about the city. I was wrong. I'm grateful that I learned better. Milwaukee has challenged me, but also opened me to so much. I'm a better person, a better husband, and a better legislator for all of the lesson I've learned here. I wouldn't live nay where else, but I also cannot accept the status quo. We need massive, systemic change. Only through offering options, receiving feedback, working toward compromise and consensus will we realize the long-term changes we need. 

Forward Together,

Evan

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Friends and Neighbors,

Two years ago, I created a publication highlighting Milwaukee. My goal was to change the way the rest of the state views our wonderful city. A year ago, we began writing version 2.0.

Today, we publish The Bridge to Wisconsin's Future.  This update includes many important pieces of the publication as well as a link to an electronic version.  We will have hard copies available, but only for a very limited time.  Please don't hesitate to call, write, or email if you are interested in obtaining a copy of The Bridge to Wisconsin's Future.

Due to rules regulating legislative offices during a campaign year, this will be my last electronic communication to you prior to November. Regardless, should any questions or concerns arise, please call my office at (608) 266-0645. I will also still be posting on my official Facebook and Twitter pages. I hope these help you stay informed. As always, please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you.

Evan Goyke
State Representative
18th Assembly District

Milwaukee:

The Bridge to Wisconsin's Future