Sponsor
Aldermen Anderson, Coe, DeHahn, Friedel, Hart, Helding, Kaplan, Karas, Maack, Mozol, Shakoor, Shields, Spangenberg, Weidner and Wisneski
Title
Wisconsin Alliance of Cities resolution on the state budget regarding state shared revenue
Whereas, the conference committee on the state budget is expected to reach agreement soon; and
Whereas, Wisconsin cannot thrive socially or economically without strong, healthy cities; and
Whereas, Wisconsin communities have endured stagnant growth in state shared revenue since 2004, when shared revenue was cut 6.5 percent because of state budget difficulties; and
Whereas, for members of the Wisconsin Alliance of Cities, that reduction represented a $31.5 million loss of revenue - a 13% loss in state support, adjusted for inflation; and
Whereas, despite declining state support, local governments have continued to work in partnership with state government to bring new jobs to Wisconsin and improve Wisconsin’s quality of life; and
Whereas, continuation of levy limits requires an increase in nonproperty tax revenues.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Wisconsin Alliance of Cities impress upon members of the conference committee that anything less than the 1.75 percent increase in state shared revenue proposed by Gov. Jim Doyle is inadequate to meet the needs and expectations of residents of Wisconsin cities to receive public protection and to enjoy an unsurpassed quality of life in urban Wisconsin.
Further resolved, that the Wisconsin Alliance of Cities urge members of the conference committee to compromise between the Assembly and Senate positions on levy limits and adopt a levy limit of 3% over the prior year or net growth, whichever is greater.
Fiscal Note: N/A