Holding the Line on Property Taxes

Once again, property taxes on a typical home were lower when property tax bills were sent out in December of 2014 than they were the previous year. Under Governor Walker's budget proposal, that trend will continue through the next biennium, an unprecedented six consecutive years of declines. Property taxes on a typical home in December of 2016 will be $141 less than they were in 2010 and will be $515 less in 2016 than they would have been if prior trends had continued. Property taxes will be at their lowest level in several decades as a percentage of personal income.

The Governor's budget proposal maintains current property tax controls and proposes increasing funding for the school levy tax credit over the biennium by $211.2 million. Additionally, Governor Walker proposes allocating $104.1 million in fiscal year 2016-17 to general equalization aids, which would continue to reduce school levies in the 2016-17 property tax year.

State Assembly Passes 70 mph Speed Limit Bill

The Assembly passed Assembly Bill 27, which would allow the Department of Transportation to raise the speed limit to 70 mph on certain rural interstates and divided expressways.

The speed limit had been 70 mph in Wisconsin up until 1973 when the federal government forced states to lower the limit to conserve fuel due to a nationwide fuel shortage.

It is important to note that Wisconsin is currently the only state in the Midwest with a 65 mph maximum (see map below). Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, and Utah all found a decline in traffic fatalities after increasing their speed limits. In fact, traffic safety experts report that increased speed limits have reduced the number of accidents by decreasing drivers’ variance in speed.

The bill passed the State Assembly on a bipartisan 76-22 vote and now moves onto the State Senate.

Girl Scout Troop 1912 Investiture

As a former Girl Scout, I was proud to be part of the Wisconsin Honorary Girl Scout Troop 1912 Investiture put on by the Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Alliance at the State Capitol this week.

At the event, we heard from several Wisconsin regional directors about the positive role that the Girl Scouts can have on shaping the lives of young women. Through outdoor activities, educational and training programs, and community outreach, the Girl Scouts focus on creating opportunities and environments that foster leadership development and positive life skills.

We also heard from Ananya Murali, a junior in high school, who serves as a Girl Scout Ambassador for Wisconsin's Southeast region. Ananya recently returned from a trip to the United Nations, along with 7 other high school representatives from around the country, to discuss the importance of female empowerment and leadership. She was truly an inspiration and represents the positive influence that being a Girl Scout can have on young women.

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Badgers Enter March Madness on Top

Have a good weekend and stay warm!

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