Rep. Nedweski Praises Bipartisan Shared Revenue Agreement
Rep. Nedweski Praises Bipartisan Shared Revenue Agreement
Everyone Benefits from Historic Funding for Local Governments
Madison - Today, Governor Tony Evers signed legislation that funds local governments at historic levels. Shifting the funding source of shared revenue to a portion of the state sales tax ensures that the revenue stream that supports public safety, critical services, and innovation at local levels will fluctuate with the economy instead of remaining static in an outdated formula. Under the new framework, all Wisconsin municipalities will experience a minimum of a 20% increase in shared revenue, with many exceeding that number by far. The new calculation is more balanced between towns and villages, and cities than the outdated formula used in years past.
City expenses for public safety and public works are similar to those of towns and villages. Often, these services are actually more costly for small municipalities as they pay higher rates to bring contractors and service providers to their locations due to travel time and distance. This legislation ensures that law enforcement levels are maintained and that the priority remains on public safety in all communities.
In addition to record increases in funding for local government, this legislation provides a unique opportunity for Milwaukee to get their fiscal house in order. The success of this legislation is due to the willingness of bipartisan stakeholders to effectively work together toward compromise.
“While my preference was to give voters a say in a sales tax increase via referendum in the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County, time is of the essence in addressing looming unfunded pension liabilities,” stated Rep. Nedweski. “Insolvency for Milwaukee would translate to negative ripple effects statewide, both fiscal and social. Though they may not bear responsibility for the pension crisis, it is now up to the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors and the Milwaukee Common Council to do what is right to correct the injustices of the past.”
This agreement also establishes safeguards that will prevent appointed officials from acting, in emergency situations, without input from politically accountable elected officials. Affected communities will have representation in public health responses that close businesses, helping to avoid unintended negative consequences of decisions made solely by appointed bureaucrats.
“The negotiation, collaboration, and compromise that led to the signing of this legislation by Governor Evers is a great example of how progress can be made when members of a divided government prioritize the will of the people they represent in order to reach an outcome in which all stakeholders benefit.”
Rep. Nedweski (R-Pleasant Prairie) Serves as the Vice Chair of Colleges and Universities and serves on the Assembly Committees on Education, Workforce Development and Economic Opportunities, and Family Law.