Assembly Republicans Unveil Shared Revenue Proposal

Assembly Republicans Unveil Shared Revenue Proposal

Madison – Rep. Jeff Mursau (R-Crivitz) and his Assembly Republican colleagues have unveiled a plan to provide a historic investment into shared revenue payments for Wisconsin’s local governments.  Approximately $1.5 billion, or 20% of state sales tax revenues, will be devoted to local governments.

“After listening to constituents and meeting with local officials to find a consensus, we have developed a plan to help our local governments provide essential services to our residents,” Rep. Mursau said. “The current shared revenue formula has been frozen for nearly 20 years and it directed the majority of funding to larger municipalities. Under this plan, more money will be targeted toward smaller municipalities like our towns and villages.”

Over $500 million in new money will be directed toward local government innovation and public safety. The proposal includes $300 million for an Innovation Fund to encourage efficiencies, cost savings, and consolidation. If local governments come together and provide a service more efficiently, the state will provide a financial incentive. Another part of the proposal includes $227 million for law enforcement, fire, EMS, public works, and transportation.

 “Public safety has been, and continues to be, a top priority for me and my colleagues,” said Rep Mursau, “The commitments made in this proposal will provide significant increases to keep our communities safe, ensuring law enforcement services will be properly maintained and not subject to cuts.”

The proposal triples the funding for existing grants to local governments to upgrade their 911 systems and provides significant increases for EMS providers to go towards ambulances, equipment, and durable medical supplies. The reimbursement funds for officer training are also being doubled.