Wisconsin Way
From Sunshine Review
Several Wisconsin associations are involved in a collaborative effort to find the best way to fund public services called the Wisconsin Way. [1] This is a nonpartisan reform-minded group proposing overhaul of Wisconsin's dated tax system.[edit] Goals
The group has two main goals:[2]
- Lowering property taxes
- Improving schools and developing a skilled workforce
The group hopes these measures will allow for the state to ultimately match the economic strength of its neighbors, for an increase in personal incomes, to see growth in the state’s tax base and to respond to the changes in demographics through state services effectively.[2]
[edit] Wisconsin's Economy
If the problems of low wages and a stagnant income tax base are not soon addressed, the changing demographics will make these permanent. This is pressing, as the Wisconsin Way argues these conditions have have produced the state’s relatively high property taxes.[2]
The group sees Wisconsin grappling with an escalating demand for services and infrastructure, and a shrinking tax base and tax capacity.[2] As the citizenry will be greater and older, and by 2020, include more children,[2] the need for local services (like garbage collection, police, and fire protection) will grow.
[edit] Member organizations
Groups joining in this effort are:[1] [2]
- Wisconsin Counties Association
- Wisconsin Education Association Council
- Wisconsin Realtors Association
- Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association
- Wood Communications Group
- League of Wisconsin Municipalities
- The public school teachers union
- The Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin
- The roadbuilding lobby
