School Districts Have Much to Consider When Accepting Gifts
By Dee Pettack | November 15, 2022
From the Legal Side . . .
In its most recent Legal Update, the Renning, Lewis & Lacy Law Firm focuses on the legal requirements for school districts to accept and use gifts made by a third party.
The SAA regularly receives these legal updates and we believe this is valuable information for SAA members. We are distributing this update to SAA members with the permission of Renning, Lewis & Lacy. The information in this update is no substitute for consulting with your district legal counsel, and we encourage you to do so.
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Republican Leadership Elections
By Dee Pettack | November 11, 2022
From The Wheeler Report . . .
SENATE REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP ELECTIONS
- Senate President – Chris Kapenga
- Senate President Pro Tempore – Patrick Testin
- Majority Leader – Devin LeMahieu
- Assistant Majority Leader – Dan Feyen
- Caucus Chair – Van Wanggaard
- Caucus Vice-Chair – Joan Ballweg
ASSEMBLY REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP ELECTIONS
- Assembly Speaker – Robin Vos
- Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore – Kevin Petersen
- Majority Leader – Tyler August
- Assistant Majority Leader – Jon Plumer
- Caucus Chair – Rob Summerfield
- Caucus Vice-Chair – Cindi Duchow
- Caucus Sergeant at Arms – Treig Pronschinske
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Reach Out to Your Legislators
By Dee Pettack | November 10, 2022
With the November election in the rearview mirror, now is the time to pick up the phone and congratulate your legislator(s) on their election victory. Many of you have new legislators but, even if you don’t, now is a good time to reconnect and renew your relationships.
It is crystal clear to me that SAA members must enhance their influence with their legislators to realize better policy outcomes for children in the 2023-25 State Budget.
And, influence is all about relationships. So, once you have congratulated your legislators on their election victory, invite them to visit your schools. Use the visit as an opportunity to showcase the great things you are doing for students in your district. It is critically important for legislators to see what learning looks like today. In the process you will show your legislator(s) that you are an important source of information for them on K-12 education issues.
A couple more things to keep in mind. It’s a good idea to coordinate your relationship-building efforts with your district’s administrative team behind the leadership of the superintendent. Finally, remember the SAA’s success on state legislative issues is, in large part, dependent on your ability to influence your legislators at the local level.
Please contact the SAA for more suggestions on building relationships with your legislators. Thanks for listening and, most importantly, thank you for all you do on behalf of the kids you serve.
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Republican Lawmakers Meet Today for Leadership Elections
By Dee Pettack | November 10, 2022
From WisPolitics.com …Assembly and Senate Republicans meet in closed caucus today for leadership elections.On the Senate side, all of the returning members who served in leadership this session are seeking new terms: Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, of Oostburg; President Chris Kapenga, of Delafield; President Pro Tempore Pat Testin, of Stevens Point; Assistant Majority Leader Dan Feyen, of Fond du Lac; and Caucus Chair Van Wanggaard, of Racine.Sen. Joan Ballweg, R-Markesan, is running for the open caucus vice-chair post. She told WisPolitics.com last week she hoped to fill that role and to continue serving on the Joint Finance Committee.Republicans increased their majority by one seat to 22-11 in Tuesday’s elections. There will be five new members to the caucus this session: Rob Hutton, of Brookfield; Rachael Cabral-Guevara, of Appleton; Jesse James, of Altoona; Romaine Quinn, of Cameron; and Cory Tomczyk, of Mosinee.Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, is among the Assembly Republicans who sent their colleagues letters yesterday indicating plans to seek another term.The others were:
- Tyler August, of Lake Geneva, for majority leader;
- Jon Plumer, of Lodi, for assistant majority leader;
- Rob Summerfield, of Bloomer, for caucus chair;
- Shae Sortwell, of Two Rivers, for caucus vice-chair;
- and Rep. Nancy Vandermeer, of Tomah, for caucus secretary.
Rep. Kevin Petersen, who served as assistant majority leader this session, told WisPolitics.com he’s running for speaker pro tempore.Rep. Cindi Duchow, R-Pewaukee, served as caucus vice-chair this session, and several members expected her to seek another term in the post.The sergeant-at-arms position is open, and several members said Rep. Treig Pronschinske, R-Mondovi, had expressed an interest in that post.Republicans increased their majority by three seats to 64-35 and will have 16 new members this session.The new members are: Joy Goeben, Hobart; Peter Schmidt, Bonduel; Tom Michalski, Elm Grove; Dave Maxey, New Berlin; Amy Binsfeld, of Sheboygan; Ellen Schutt, of Clinton; Scott Johnson, of Jefferson; Jerry L. O’Connor, of Fond du Lac; Nate Gustafson, of Neenah; Ty Bodden, of Hilbert; Amanda Nedweski, of Pleasant Prairie; Karen Hurd, of Fall Creek; Angie Sapik, of Lake Nebagamon; Chanz Green, of Grand View; Nik Rettinger, of Mukwonago; and Bob Donovan, of Greenfield.Dems will caucus next week for leadership positions.
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Voters Approve 79 Percent of School Referenda
By Dee Pettack | November 9, 2022
Preliminary numbers from yesterday’s election show Wisconsin voters approved 79 percent (64 questions passed, 17 failed) of the school funding referendums on the ballot. Debt referendum questions led the way with an 82 percent pass rate (32 passed, 7 failed). Non-recurring referendums to exceed the revenue limit had a 75 percent pass rate (21 passed, 7 failed). Finally, 11 referendum questions to exceed the revenue limit on a recurring basis passed, while 3 failed (79 percent pass rate).
With these election results, it is clear that many Wisconsin voters continue to see the need for more resources to meet the educational needs of Wisconsin school children.
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School Referenda Results
By Dee Pettack | November 9, 2022
From The Wheeler Report…
SCHOOL REFERENDA RESULTS
| District | District Name | Total Amount | Type | Brief Description |
| 0014
Failed |
Adams-Friendship Area | $12,600,000.00 | NR – 2022 | To exceed the revenue limit for four years at a total cost of $12.6 million. |
| 0147
Passed |
Appleton Area | $129,800,000.00 | Issue Debt | Issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $129,800,000 for the purpose of paying the cost of a school building and facility improvement projects. |
| 0147
Passed |
Appleton Area | $5,000,000.00 | RR – 2023 | We would like to exceed the revenue limit by $5,000,000 annually to fund increased staffing at the K – 2 level, which would allow us to reduce class sizes, add STEM staffing at the elementary and middle levels, and fund expenses for ongoing school building maintenance, cleaning, and utility costs. |
| 0196
Failed |
Athens | $5,525,000.00 | Issue Debt | INITIAL RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $5,525,000 |
| 0196
Failed |
Athens | $1,670,000.00 | RR – 2022 | RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET TO EXCEED REVENUE LIMIT FOR RECURRING PURPOSES |
| 0217
Passed |
Augusta | $10,500,000.00 | Issue Debt | school facility improvement projects consisting of: construction of additions and renovations at the Elementary and Middle/High school, district-wide capital maintenance, building infrastructure, safety and sit improvements and furnishings, fixtures, and equipment |
| 0217
Passed |
Augusta | $4,500,000.00 | Issue Debt | Construction of an addition for and equipping of a new gymnasium and related facility renovations and improvements at the Elementary school. |
| 0245
Passed |
Bangor | $24,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | Capital Referendum |
| 0350
Passed |
Belleville | $999,999.00 | RR – 2023 | To exceed the revenue limit by $999,999 beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, for recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses. |
| 1120
Passed |
Clayton | 2022 $1,545,000
Total: $1,545,000 |
RR 2022 | Budget to exceed revenue cap for recurring purposes consisting of operational expenses. |
| 1246
Passed |
Cuba City | $26,850,000.00 | Issue Debt | Capital referendum for building and remodeling |
| 1246
Passed |
Cuba City | $200,000.00 | RR – 2023 | Recurring Referendum |
| 1380
Passed |
Delavan-Darien | $15,200,000.00 | NR – 2023 | 4 Year Non-Recurring Operational Referendum to exceed revenue cap by $3,800,000 beginning in 2023-2024 and ending in 2026-2027 |
| 1407
Passed |
Denmark | $31,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | INITIAL RESOLUTION AUTHORIZINGGENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS IN ANAMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $31,000,000 |
| 1407
Passed |
Denmark | $2,775,000.00 | NR – 2023 | RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SCHOOLDISTRICT BUDGET TO EXCEED REVENUE LIMITBY $925,000 PER YEAR FOR THREE YEARSFOR NON-RECURRING PURPOSES |
| 1554
Passed |
Eau Claire Area | $98,600,000.00 | Issue Debt | To issue $ 98,600,000 to complete capital improvement projects at 11 of our schools. |
| 1883
Passed |
Fort Atkinson | $22,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | $22M GO Bonds for secure entries, maintenance projects, and traffic flow improvements. |
| 1883
Failed |
Fort Atkinson | $3,000,000.00 | RR – 2022 | $3M Recurring beginning in 2022-23 |
| 1883
Failed |
Fort Atkinson | $13,000,000.00 | NR – 2023 | $4M – 2023/24$4M – 2024/25$5M – 2025/26 |
| 1890
Passed |
Fox Point J2 | $12,400,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Non-Recurring Operational Referendum to Exceed Revenue Limit by $3.1 Million per year for Four Years, 2023-24 school year through 2026-27 school year. |
| 2016
Passed |
North Crawford | $4,500,000 | Issue Debt | Issue debt for general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $4,500,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school facility improvement project |
| 2016
Passed |
North Crawford | 2022 $300,000
2023 $250,000 2024 $200,000 2025 $150,000 Total: $900,000 |
RR 2025 | Exceed revenue limit for recurring purposes |
| 2044
Passed |
Geneva J4 | $4,500,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Exceed Revenue cap – 2023-2024 to 2025-2026 |
| 2128
Passed |
Gillett | 2023-2024 $600,000
2024-2025 $600,000 2025-2026 $600,000 Total: $1,800,000 |
NR 2025-2026 | 3 year non-recurring referendum for $600,000 per year for the 23-24, 24-25, and 25-26 school years. |
| 2289
Passed |
Green Bay Area | $92,605,000.00 | Issue Debt | Question: Shall the Green Bay Area Public School District, Brown County, Wisconsin be authorized to issue pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $92,605,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school facility improvement project consisting of: district-wide safety, security, building infrastructure and capital maintenance improvements; renovations and facility updates to secondary schools; construction of an addition at certain district buildings; district-wide athletic facility and site improvements; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment? |
| 2303
Passed |
Greenfield | $20,000,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Resolution authorizing the School District budget exceed the revenue limit by $5,000,000 per year beginning in the 2023-24 school year and every school year thereafter, through the 2026-27 school year, for non-recurring purposes. |
| 2534
Passed |
Hilbert | $8,270,000.00 | Issue Debt | This is to issue general obligation bonds not to exceed $8,270,000 for additions and renovations to our Career and Technical Education areas, band and choir areas, locker room/fitness areas, and our lunch room/commons area. |
| 2534
Passed |
Hilbert | $200,000.00 | RR – 2022 | This resolution will be used to fund staffing in the career and technical education area as well as acquire additional equipment for the career and technical education area. |
| 2541
Passed |
Hillsboro | $3,000,000.00 | NR – 2023 | For non-recurring purposes to maintain District facilities and current programs. |
| 2562
Passed |
Holmen | $650,000.00 | RR – 2024 | For recurring purposes consisting of building maintenance and technology. |
| 2562
Passed |
Holmen | $74,750,000.00 | Issue Debt | Evergreen, Viking and Holmen Middle renovations, infrastructure, capital maintenance, safety and site improvements, Evergreen addition and Holmen Middle wing reconstruction and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment. Inclusive playground and safety surfaces at all four elementary schools. |
| 2605
Passed |
Howards Grove | $39,800,000.00 | Issue Debt | Construction and furnishings for a middle school addition to the high school, district-wide infrastructure improvements, athletic facility work, and removal of current middle school. |
| 2605
Passed |
Howards Grove | $2,900,000.00 | Issue Debt | Renovating, improving, and equipping the High School gymnasium and certain athletic fields and facilities located on district-owned land. |
| 2702
Passed |
Jefferson | $34,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | District-wide safety, security and facility improvements. |
| 2702
Failed |
Jefferson | $8,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | Construction and equipping an athletic complex. |
| 2849
Failed |
La Crosse | $194,700,000.00 | Issue Debt | Issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $194,700,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of acquisition of land for and construction of a consolidated high school and renovations and improvements to the current high school buildings for conversion into middle schools |
| 2898
Failed |
Lake Mills Area | $44,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | New intermediate building on district-owned land |
| 2898
Failed |
Lake Mills Area | $950,000.00 | RR – 2024 | Operational referendum for ongoing expenditures associated with a new intermediate school |
| 3206
Failed |
Loyal | $6,700,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Resolution Authorizing the School District Budget to exceed revenue limit for five years for non-recurring purposes. |
| 3430
Passed |
Menasha | $99,700,000.00 | Issue Debt | For the public purpose of paying the cost of a school building and facilityimprovement project consisting of: the construction of a new Maplewood School on the existingsite and removal of the current building; site improvements; and acquisition of furnishings,fixtures and equipment. |
| 3500
Failed |
Merrill Area | $10,000,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Four Year Non-Recurring referendum in the amount of $2,500,000 per year beginning with the 23-24 school year. |
| 3549
Passed |
Middleton-Cross Plains | $65,470,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Exceed Revenue Limits for four years, non-recurring for the expenses related to ongoing educational and extracurricular programming, and compensation, and other operational expenses.EXCEED REVENUE LIMITFOR FOUR YEARS FOR NON-RECURRING PURPOSES |
| 3682
Passed |
Monroe | $88,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | Construction of new HS and related costs and capital maintenance improvements to Abraham Lincoln Elementary School |
| 3794
Passed |
Mount Horeb Area | $4,820,000.00 | RR – 2023 | Exceed Revenue Limits by $4,820,000 beginning with the 2023-2024 school year for recurring purposes |
| 3983
Passed |
North Fond Du Lac | $18,500,000.00 | Issue Debt | Amount not to exceed $18,500,000 for paying the cost of a school building and facility improvement projects |
| 3983
Passed |
North Fond Du Lac | $2,400,000.00 | NR – 2022 | Exceed Revenue Limit by $800,000 for 3 years |
| 4074
Passed |
Oconto Falls | $37,630,000.00 | Issue Debt | Capital Referendum to construct new middle school, removal of the existing middle school, secure entrances and roofs added/replaced at high school and elementary schools. |
| 4095
Passed |
Onalaska | $75,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | Issue $75,000,000 of General Obligation Bonds for Addition/Remodel of Onalaska Middle School and Onalaska High School. |
| 4095
Passed |
Onalaska | $21,650,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Exceed the revenue limit for operational purposes |
| 4144
Passed |
Oregon | $11,400,000.00 | RR – 2022 | Shall the Oregon School District, Dane, Green and Rock Counties, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $5,420,000 for the 2022-2023 school year; by an additional $3,000,000 (for a total of $8,420,000) for the 2023-2024 school year; and by an additional $2,980,000 (for a total of $11,400,000) for the 2024-2025 school year and thereafter, for recurring purposes consisting of expenses to pay compensation and to sustain District instruction and operations? |
| 4151
Failed |
Parkview | $6,000,000.00 | NR – 2023 | |
| 4151
Failed |
Parkview | $15,400,000.00 | Issue Debt | |
| 4305
Passed |
Peshtigo | $39,950,000.00 | Issue Debt | School building and facility improvement project at the Middle/High School. |
| 4389
Passed |
Platteville | $36,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | Issue Bonds in an amount not to exceed $36,000,000 for the purpose of paying the cost of improvements to school district buildings and grounds including Americans with Disabilities Act and safety improvements; cafeteria/kitchen renovations at the Neal Wilkins Early Learning Center and the High School; renovations and additions to the Neal Wilkins Early Learning Center, the Middle School and the High School; improvements to the High School outdoor activities complex; parent drive and parking safety upgrades at the Westview Elementary School; and equipment and furniture acquisition related to said projects. |
| 4557
Passed |
Prairie Farm | $4,250,000.00 | NR – 2023 | General Operation |
| 4613
Passed |
Pulaski Community | $8,500,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Exceed the revenue limit for purposes consisting of compensating and providingbenefits to teachers and staff, maintaining programs and services,and operating facilities. |
| 4613
Passed |
Pulaski Community | $69,800,000.00 | Issue Debt | Issue Debt in the amount of $69,800,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school facility improvement project. |
| 4641
Passed |
Random Lake | $29,900,000.00 | Issue Debt | Building and facility improvement projects. |
| 4781
Passed |
Rhinelander | $16,000,000.00 | NR – 2023 | |
| 4872
Passed |
Ripon Area | $5,100,000.00 | NR – 2022 | The Ripon Area School District will ask voters to consider a six-year non-recurring referendum to exceed revenue limits by $850,000 to sustain general operations. |
| 5432
Failed |
Somerset | $25,500,000.00 | Issue Debt | Construction of Auditorium, improvements to stadium, track & field, renovating building systems and capital maintenance at ES |
| 5432
Failed |
Somerset | $11,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | Construction of HS gymnasium space and construction of athletic fields |
| 5457
Passed |
Southern Door County | $2,925,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Exceed Revenue Limit by $975000 per year for three years for non recurring purposes |
| 5457
Passed |
Southern Door County | $14,900,000.00 | Issue Debt | INITIAL RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $14,900,000 |
| 5621
Passed |
Stoughton Area | $36,300,000.00 | Issue Debt | School facility improvement project for safety, security, energy efficiency, capital maintenance, site improvements, remodeling, and removal of old structures and construction of a new maintenance facility. |
| 5621
Passed |
Stoughton Area | $11,700,000.00 | Issue Debt | Construction of a gymnasium addition at River Bluff Middle School and removal of Community Gym building. |
| 5628
Failed |
Stratford | $2,935,000.00 | NR – 2022 | exceed the revenue limit specified, by $190,000 for the 2022-2023 school year, by $480,000 for the 2023-2024 school year, by $875,000 for the 2024-2025 school year, and by $1,390,000 for the 2025-2026 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational expenses |
| 5656
Passed |
Sun Prairie Area | $9,000,000.00 | RR – 2022 | to pay for expenses related to maintaining class sizes, student services and staff compensation, providingfor substitute teacher coverage, increasing mental health services for students, and ongoingsafety and facility maintenance |
| 5733
Passed |
Three Lakes | $21,250,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Five (5) year, $4,250,000 per year, non-recurring referendum for operational expenses |
| 5824
Passed |
Two Rivers | $38,700,000.00 | Issue Debt | Facility addition at LB Clarke Middle School, renovations and district wide improvements to security, technology, sites, building systems and playgrounds. |
| 5901
Passed |
Verona Area | $19,000,000.00 | RR – 2023 | Exceed the revenue limit by $19,000,000 for the 2022-2023 school year and thereafter, for recurring purposes consisting of expenses related to ongoing educational programming, maintaining and supporting instructional and extracurricular programs, and paying salary and other operational expenses. |
| 5985
Passed |
Viroqua Area | $17,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | INITIAL RESOLUTION NUMBER I AUTHORIZING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $17,000,000 |
| 5985
Passed |
Viroqua Area | $3,500,000.00 | Issue Debt | INITIAL RESOLUTION NUMBER IIAUTHORIZING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDSIN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $3,500,000 |
| 6118
Failed |
Waterloo | $3,500,000.00 | NR – 2022 | RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET TO EXCEED REVENUE LIMIT BY $700,000 PER YEAR FOR FIVE YEARS FOR NON-RECURRING PURPOSES |
| 6181
Passed |
Waunakee Community | $175,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | Construction of a new Heritage Elementary School on district-owned land; construction of a new middle school on district-owned land; removal of the current Heritage Elementary School building; district-wide renovations, capital maintenance and site improvements; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment. |
| 6181
Passed |
Waunakee Community | $10,000,000.00 | NR – 2022 | Purposes consisting of expenses related to attracting and retaining staff, operating and maintaining any additional school facilities, and maintaining current programs and services. |
| 6195
Passed |
Waupaca | $3,875,000.00 | Issue Debt | General Obligation Bonds for the purpose of district-wide safety and security upgrades. |
| 6216
Passed |
Waupun | $2,940,000.00 | NR – 2022 | Exceed the revenue limit by $980,000 each year for three years; 22/23, 23/24, 24/25 |
| 6251
Passed |
Wauzeka-Steuben | $3,352,000.00 | NR – 2022 | 4 year non recurring operational referendum |
| 6461
Passed |
Whitewater | $17,600,000.00 | NR – 2023 | permission to exceed the revenue limit for maintaining targeted class sizes, maintaining student support and mental health services, maintaining comprehensive instructional and co-curricular programs, and maintaining technology, safety, and facilities infrastructure. |
| 6678
Passed |
Wisconsin Dells | $4,800,000.00 | NR – 2022 | 4 Year, Non-Recurring Operational Referendum for $1,200,000 per year ($4,800,000 total) from 2022-23 until 2025-26 school year. |
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Evers, Johnson, Kaul re-elected; Dems beat back GOP attempt at veto-proof majority in Assembly
By Dee Pettack | November 9, 2022
From WisPolitics.com …Dem Gov. Tony Evers bucked recent history in winning reelection with his party in the White House while Dems blocked GOP attempts to get a veto-proof majority despite Republican gains in the Legislature.Dems added to their impressive night with Republican Eric Toney, the Fond du Lac DA, conceding to Dem AG Josh Kaul.But Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson was poised to secure a third six-year term with a narrow win over Dem Mandela Barnes as Dem control of the U.S. Senate hung in the balance.In other top races not yet called as of this morning: the GOP’s John Leiber was beating Aaron Richardson in the state treasurer’s race, and longtime Dem Secretary of State Doug La Follette clung to a tiny lead over state Rep. Amy Loudenbeck, R-Clinton.The 3rd CD had not yet been called. Still, former Navy SEAL Derrick Van Orden was ahead of state Sen. Brad Pfaff, D-Onalaska, in the western Wisconsin district.In beating construction exec Tim Michels, Evers became the first governor in 32 years to win when his party was in power in the White House.Evers told supporters at his Madison victory party he was proud to be the 46th governor of Wisconsin and “jazzed as hell to tell you that on Jan. 3, 2023, I’ll still be the 46th governor of the great state of Wisconsin.”Evers thanked supporters for showing up at the polls on issues such abortion rights. He also poked fun at the knock that he’s boring.“As it turns out, boring wins, and Mr. Rogers is cool,” said Evers, the former state schools superintendent who turned 71 on Saturday.With just over 99 percent of the vote in, Evers and running mate Sara Rodriguez were at 51.2 percent of the vote, while Michels and his running mate Roger Roth were at 47.8 percent.By winning, Evers bucked several historical trends. He is the first guv candidate to win a race while his party was in the White House since Republican Tommy Thompson in 1990; he’s also the first Dem to pull it off in 60 years. And with a Johnson win, Evers would be the first Dem in state history to win the guv’s race when his party’s nominee lost the contest for U.S. Senate.In a short speech to supporters in Milwaukee, Michels said, “It wasn’t our night tonight, and I thank everybody for all of your support. God bless.”Michels, whose family runs a big construction company, dumped millions of his own money into winning the GOP primary and contesting the race against Evers.But according to Adimpact numbers reviewed by WisPolitics.com, Evers and the groups supporting him spent $56.9 million on paid media post-primary while Michels and his backers spent $30.4 million. Election watchers said that spending disparity allowed Dems to define Michels, endorsed by Donald Trump, on issues such as abortion and helped Evers improve his performance in top Republican areas vs. 2018 while maximizing the huge turnout in deep blue Dane County.Johnson told supporters he expected to formally declare victory this morning after the unofficial results were in.He told supporters early this morning in Neenah he saw no way for Barnes to make up the margin in their race, but was waiting for more results to come in.“I just want to give you guys the sense this race is over,” Johnson told supporters.Barnes spokesperson Maddy McDaniel said, “We always knew this race would be incredibly close. No matter what anyone says, we are committed to making sure every vote is counted. We will wait and see what the Wisconsin voters have decided after all their voices are heard.”With almost 99 percent of the vote in, Johnson led Barnes 50.5 percent to 49.5 percent, according to unofficial numbers from the Associated Press.Following Toney’s concession, Kaul thanked his GOP rival for a hard-fought race.“I’m grateful that Wisconsinites have put their trust in me to serve as attorney general for another four years, and I look forward to the work ahead of us as we continue to deliver results and work to build safer and stronger communities across the state,” Kaul said in Madison.In his Fond du Lac concession speech, Toney wished Kaul well in his second term and said he looks forward to working with him as a DA and as president of the Wisconsin District Attorney’s Association. Toney said he doesn’t “see a pathway to victory given what appears to be the limited number of votes out there.”After Toney’s concession speech, unofficial returns collected by the media briefly showed him taking a lead over Kaul. But as of this morning, with 99 percent of the vote in, Kaul led Toney 50.6 percent to 49.4 percent.Dems beat back a GOP attempt to secure a two-thirds majority in the Assembly, though Republicans were on path to clinch it in the Senate.Results were still out in several top Assembly races. Still, Republicans were on path for 64 seats – two short of the partisan margin needed in the 99-member Assembly.In the top races:*Robin Vos, R-Rochester, the longest serving speaker in Wisconsin history, beat two write-in opponents after being called a “RINO” (Republican in name only) by Trump. The former president was angered by Vos rebuffing his repeated attempts to get the speaker to side with those seeking to decertify the 2020 election. Vos said that was impossible under state law.*Dem Rep. Steve Doyle, of Onalaska, took 51 percent of the vote in beating Republican Ryan Huebsch by 757 votes. Huebsch is the son of former Assembly speaker and DOA Secretary Mike Huebsch.*Dem Rep. Tip McGuire, of Kenosha, easily beat back a challenge from Republican Ed Hibsch. Dems poured money into McGuire’s race late, fearing a backlash over the violent protests in Kenosha two years ago. But McGuire won 56.5 percent of the vote, a better performance than he had two years ago.*Dem Rep. Katrina Shankland, of Stevens Point, beat Republican Scott Soik by nearly 4,000 votes.*Dem Lori Palmeri, the Oshkosh mayor, beat Republican Donnie Herman with 53.8 percent of the vote. Republicans hammered Palmeri over her past legal troubles but she will take the seat of former Dem Minority Leader Gordon Hintz.Republican Angie Sapik was up on Dem Laura Gapske in northern Wisconsin’s 73rd AD. In the 74th AD next door, Republican Chanz Green was up on Dem John Adams.Both northern Wisconsin races were top GOP targets to flip. Republicans were all but guaranteed to win the Assembly seat of Dem Sara Rodriguez, who was elected lieutenant governor yesterday, after it was redrawn with a heavy GOP tilt.Along with picking up those seats, Republicans appeared to defend all of their holds. That includes the open 33rd AD, which Dem Rep. Don Vruwink, of Milton, was drawn into during redistricting. GOP farmer Scott Johnson was up in that race, according to unofficial returns.In the Senate, Dem Jeff Smith, of Brunswick, declared victory over Republican Jeff Estenson in the 31st.Meanwhile, the AP has declared former GOP Rep. Romaine Quinn the winner in the open 25th, flipping that seat from Dem control.Republicans Rachael Cabral-Guevara in the 19th SD and Rob Hutton in the 5th were in position to hold those seats for the GOP.Republicans needed to hold the 5th and 19th and win either the 25th or 31st to get to 22 votes, the two-thirds partisan margin in the 33-member state Senate. They are poised for a 22-11 majority in that chamber.Van Orden struck a conciliatory tone toward Pfaff after a closer-than-expected race that had the former Navy SEAL ahead 52 percent to 48 percent with 75 percent of the vote counted.National Dems abandoned Pfaff in the closing weeks of the race. Between his overwhelming fundraising advantage and help from outside groups, national pundits expected Van Orden to cruise in the race to succeed longtime western Wisconsin Cong. Ron Kind, D-La Crosse.“To Senator Pfaff, I look forward to working with you to do great things for the people of this district,” Van Orden said. “You are my State Senator and as long as we can put the people of this district first, we will continue to move Wisconsin Forward.”All seven incumbent House members from Wisconsin won reelection easily yesterday. With Van Orden, Republicans would have a 6-2 edge in the state’s congressional delegation to start the new session in January.For more perspective and to see how the races unfolded, see the Twitter rolls and stories at WisPolitics.com.For the latest results, click here.
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November 8 School Referendum
By Dee Pettack | November 1, 2022
From The Wheeler Report…
As the November 8 election approaches, we are reposting for your information a comprehensive list of school referendum on the ballot across the state.
| District | District Name | Total Amount | Type | Brief Description |
| 0014 | Adams-Friendship Area | $12,600,000.00 | NR – 2022 | To exceed the revenue limit for four years at a total cost of $12.6 million. |
| 0147 | Appleton Area | $129,800,000.00 | Issue Debt | Issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $129,800,000 for the purpose of paying the cost of a school building and facility improvement projects. |
| 0147 | Appleton Area | $5,000,000.00 | RR – 2023 | We would like to exceed the revenue limit by $5,000,000 annually to fund increased staffing at the K – 2 level, which would allow us to reduce class sizes, add STEM staffing at the elementary and middle levels, and fund expenses for ongoing school building maintenance, cleaning, and utility costs. |
| 0196 | Athens | $5,525,000.00 | Issue Debt | INITIAL RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $5,525,000 |
| 0196 | Athens | $1,670,000.00 | RR – 2022 | RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET TO EXCEED REVENUE LIMIT FOR RECURRING PURPOSES |
| 0217 | Augusta | $10,500,000.00 | Issue Debt | school facility improvement projects consisting of: construction of additions and renovations at the Elementary and Middle/High school, district-wide capital maintenance, building infrastructure, safety and sit improvements and furnishings, fixtures, and equipment |
| 0217 | Augusta | $4,500,000.00 | Issue Debt | Construction of an addition for and equipping of a new gymnasium and related facility renovations and improvements at the Elementary school. |
| 0245 | Bangor | $24,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | Capital Referendum |
| 0350 | Belleville | $999,999.00 | RR – 2023 | To exceed the revenue limit by $999,999 beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, for recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses. |
| 1246 | Cuba City | $26,850,000.00 | Issue Debt | Capital referendum for building and remodeling |
| 1246 | Cuba City | $200,000.00 | RR – 2023 | Recurring Referendum |
| 1380 | Delavan-Darien | $15,200,000.00 | NR – 2023 | 4 Year Non-Recurring Operational Referendum to exceed revenue cap by $3,800,000 beginning in 2023-2024 and ending in 2026-2027 |
| 1407 | Denmark | $31,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | INITIAL RESOLUTION AUTHORIZINGGENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS IN ANAMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $31,000,000 |
| 1407 | Denmark | $2,775,000.00 | NR – 2023 | RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SCHOOLDISTRICT BUDGET TO EXCEED REVENUE LIMITBY $925,000 PER YEAR FOR THREE YEARSFOR NON-RECURRING PURPOSES |
| 1554 | Eau Claire Area | $98,600,000.00 | Issue Debt | To issue $ 98,600,000 to complete capital improvement projects at 11 of our schools. |
| 1883 | Fort Atkinson | $22,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | $22M GO Bonds for secure entries, maintenance projects, and traffic flow improvements. |
| 1883 | Fort Atkinson | $3,000,000.00 | RR – 2022 | $3M Recurring beginning in 2022-23 |
| 1883 | Fort Atkinson | $13,000,000.00 | NR – 2023 | $4M – 2023/24$4M – 2024/25$5M – 2025/26 |
| 1890 | Fox Point J2 | $12,400,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Non-Recurring Operational Referendum to Exceed Revenue Limit by $3.1 Million per year for Four Years, 2023-24 school year through 2026-27 school year. |
| 2044 | Geneva J4 | $4,500,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Exceed Revenue cap – 2023-2024 to 2025-2026 |
| 2289 | Green Bay Area | $92,605,000.00 | Issue Debt | Question: Shall the Green Bay Area Public School District, Brown County, Wisconsin be authorized to issue pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $92,605,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school facility improvement project consisting of: district-wide safety, security, building infrastructure and capital maintenance improvements; renovations and facility updates to secondary schools; construction of an addition at certain district buildings; district-wide athletic facility and site improvements; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment? |
| 2303 | Greenfield | $20,000,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Resolution authorizing the School District budget exceed the revenue limit by $5,000,000 per year beginning in the 2023-24 school year and every school year thereafter, through the 2026-27 school year, for non-recurring purposes. |
| 2534 | Hilbert | $8,270,000.00 | Issue Debt | This is to issue general obligation bonds not to exceed $8,270,000 for additions and renovations to our Career and Technical Education areas, band and choir areas, locker room/fitness areas, and our lunch room/commons area. |
| 2534 | Hilbert | $200,000.00 | RR – 2022 | This resolution will be used to fund staffing in the career and technical education area as well as acquire additional equipment for the career and technical education area. |
| 2541 | Hillsboro | $3,000,000.00 | NR – 2023 | For non-recurring purposes to maintain District facilities and current programs. |
| 2562 | Holmen | $650,000.00 | RR – 2024 | For recurring purposes consisting of building maintenance and technology. |
| 2562 | Holmen | $74,750,000.00 | Issue Debt | Evergreen, Viking and Holmen Middle renovations, infrastructure, capital maintenance, safety and site improvements, Evergreen addition and Holmen Middle wing reconstruction and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment. Inclusive playground and safety surfaces at all four elementary schools. |
| 2605 | Howards Grove | $39,800,000.00 | Issue Debt | Construction and furnishings for a middle school addition to the high school, district-wide infrastructure improvements, athletic facility work, and removal of current middle school. |
| 2605 | Howards Grove | $2,900,000.00 | Issue Debt | Renovating, improving, and equipping the High School gymnasium and certain athletic fields and facilities located on district-owned land. |
| 2702 | Jefferson | $34,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | District-wide safety, security and facility improvements. |
| 2702 | Jefferson | $8,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | Construction and equipping an athletic complex. |
| 2849 | La Crosse | $194,700,000.00 | Issue Debt | Issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $194,700,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of acquisition of land for and construction of a consolidated high school and renovations and improvements to the current high school buildings for conversion into middle schools |
| 2898 | Lake Mills Area | $44,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | New intermediate building on district-owned land |
| 2898 | Lake Mills Area | $950,000.00 | RR – 2024 | Operational referendum for ongoing expenditures associated with a new intermediate school |
| 3206 | Loyal | $6,700,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Resolution Authorizing the School District Budget to exceed revenue limit for five years for non-recurring purposes. |
| 3430 | Menasha | $99,700,000.00 | Issue Debt | For the public purpose of paying the cost of a school building and facilityimprovement project consisting of: the construction of a new Maplewood School on the existingsite and removal of the current building; site improvements; and acquisition of furnishings,fixtures and equipment. |
| 3500 | Merrill Area | $10,000,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Four Year Non-Recurring referendum in the amount of $2,500,000 per year beginning with the 23-24 school year. |
| 3549 | Middleton-Cross Plains | $65,470,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Exceed Revenue Limits for four years, non-recurring for the expenses related to ongoing educational and extracurricular programming, and compensation, and other operational expenses.EXCEED REVENUE LIMITFOR FOUR YEARS FOR NON-RECURRING PURPOSES |
| 3682 | Monroe | $88,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | Construction of new HS and related costs and capital maintenance improvements to Abraham Lincoln Elementary School |
| 3794 | Mount Horeb Area | $4,820,000.00 | RR – 2023 | Exceed Revenue Limits by $4,820,000 beginning with the 2023-2024 school year for recurring purposes |
| 3983 | North Fond Du Lac | $18,500,000.00 | Issue Debt | Amount not to exceed $18,500,000 for paying the cost of a school building and facility improvement projects |
| 3983 | North Fond Du Lac | $2,400,000.00 | NR – 2022 | Exceed Revenue Limit by $800,000 for 3 years |
| 4074 | Oconto Falls | $37,630,000.00 | Issue Debt | Capital Referendum to construct new middle school, removal of the existing middle school, secure entrances and roofs added/replaced at high school and elementary schools. |
| 4095 | Onalaska | $75,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | Issue $75,000,000 of General Obligation Bonds for Addition/Remodel of Onalaska Middle School and Onalaska High School. |
| 4095 | Onalaska | $21,650,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Exceed the revenue limit for operational purposes |
| 4144 | Oregon | $11,400,000.00 | RR – 2022 | Shall the Oregon School District, Dane, Green and Rock Counties, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $5,420,000 for the 2022-2023 school year; by an additional $3,000,000 (for a total of $8,420,000) for the 2023-2024 school year; and by an additional $2,980,000 (for a total of $11,400,000) for the 2024-2025 school year and thereafter, for recurring purposes consisting of expenses to pay compensation and to sustain District instruction and operations? |
| 4151 | Parkview | $6,000,000.00 | NR – 2023 | |
| 4151 | Parkview | $15,400,000.00 | Issue Debt | |
| 4305 | Peshtigo | $39,950,000.00 | Issue Debt | School building and facility improvement project at the Middle/High School. |
| 4389 | Platteville | $36,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | Issue Bonds in an amount not to exceed $36,000,000 for the purpose of paying the cost of improvements to school district buildings and grounds including Americans with Disabilities Act and safety improvements; cafeteria/kitchen renovations at the Neal Wilkins Early Learning Center and the High School; renovations and additions to the Neal Wilkins Early Learning Center, the Middle School and the High School; improvements to the High School outdoor activities complex; parent drive and parking safety upgrades at the Westview Elementary School; and equipment and furniture acquisition related to said projects. |
| 4557 | Prairie Farm | $4,250,000.00 | NR – 2023 | General Operation |
| 4613 | Pulaski Community | $8,500,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Exceed the revenue limit for purposes consisting of compensating and providingbenefits to teachers and staff, maintaining programs and services,and operating facilities. |
| 4613 | Pulaski Community | $69,800,000.00 | Issue Debt | Issue Debt in the amount of $69,800,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school facility improvement project. |
| 4641 | Random Lake | $29,900,000.00 | Issue Debt | Building and facility improvement projects. |
| 4781 | Rhinelander | $16,000,000.00 | NR – 2023 | |
| 4872 | Ripon Area | $5,100,000.00 | NR – 2022 | The Ripon Area School District will ask voters to consider a six-year non-recurring referendum to exceed revenue limits by $850,000 to sustain general operations. |
| 5432 | Somerset | $25,500,000.00 | Issue Debt | Construction of Auditorium, improvements to stadium, track & field, renovating building systems and capital maintenance at ES |
| 5432 | Somerset | $11,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | Construction of HS gymnasium space and construction of athletic fields |
| 5457 | Southern Door County | $2,925,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Exceed Revenue Limit by $975000 per year for three years for non recurring purposes |
| 5457 | Southern Door County | $14,900,000.00 | Issue Debt | INITIAL RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $14,900,000 |
| 5621 | Stoughton Area | $36,300,000.00 | Issue Debt | School facility improvement project for safety, security, energy efficiency, capital maintenance, site improvements, remodeling, and removal of old structures and construction of a new maintenance facility. |
| 5621 | Stoughton Area | $11,700,000.00 | Issue Debt | Construction of a gymnasium addition at River Bluff Middle School and removal of Community Gym building. |
| 5628 | Stratford | $2,935,000.00 | NR – 2022 | exceed the revenue limit specified, by $190,000 for the 2022-2023 school year, by $480,000 for the 2023-2024 school year, by $875,000 for the 2024-2025 school year, and by $1,390,000 for the 2025-2026 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational expenses |
| 5656 | Sun Prairie Area | $9,000,000.00 | RR – 2022 | to pay for expenses related to maintaining class sizes, student services and staff compensation, providingfor substitute teacher coverage, increasing mental health services for students, and ongoingsafety and facility maintenance |
| 5733 | Three Lakes | $21,250,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Five (5) year, $4,250,000 per year, non-recurring referendum for operational expenses |
| 5824 | Two Rivers | $38,700,000.00 | Issue Debt | Facility addition at LB Clarke Middle School, renovations and district wide improvements to security, technology, sites, building systems and playgrounds. |
| 5901 | Verona Area | $19,000,000.00 | RR – 2023 | Exceed the revenue limit by $19,000,000 for the 2022-2023 school year and thereafter, for recurring purposes consisting of expenses related to ongoing educational programming, maintaining and supporting instructional and extracurricular programs, and paying salary and other operational expenses. |
| 5985 | Viroqua Area | $17,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | INITIAL RESOLUTION NUMBER I AUTHORIZING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $17,000,000 |
| 5985 | Viroqua Area | $3,500,000.00 | Issue Debt | INITIAL RESOLUTION NUMBER IIAUTHORIZING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDSIN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $3,500,000 |
| 6118 | Waterloo | $3,500,000.00 | NR – 2022 | RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET TO EXCEED REVENUE LIMIT BY $700,000 PER YEAR FOR FIVE YEARS FOR NON-RECURRING PURPOSES |
| 6181 | Waunakee Community | $175,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | Construction of a new Heritage Elementary School on district-owned land; construction of a new middle school on district-owned land; removal of the current Heritage Elementary School building; district-wide renovations, capital maintenance and site improvements; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment. |
| 6181 | Waunakee Community | $10,000,000.00 | NR – 2022 | Purposes consisting of expenses related to attracting and retaining staff, operating and maintaining any additional school facilities, and maintaining current programs and services. |
| 6195 | Waupaca | $3,875,000.00 | Issue Debt | General Obligation Bonds for the purpose of district-wide safety and security upgrades. |
| 6216 | Waupun | $2,940,000.00 | NR – 2022 | Exceed the revenue limit by $980,000 each year for three years; 22/23, 23/24, 24/25 |
| 6251 | Wauzeka-Steuben | $3,352,000.00 | NR – 2022 | 4 year non recurring operational referendum |
| 6461 | Whitewater | $17,600,000.00 | NR – 2023 | permission to exceed the revenue limit for maintaining targeted class sizes, maintaining student support and mental health services, maintaining comprehensive instructional and co-curricular programs, and maintaining technology, safety, and facilities infrastructure. |
| 6678 | Wisconsin Dells | $4,800,000.00 | NR – 2022 | 4 Year, Non-Recurring Operational Referendum for $1,200,000 per year ($4,800,000 total) from 2022-23 until 2025-26 school year. |
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SAA Gubernatorial Endorsement
By Dee Pettack | October 26, 2022
Members of the School Administrators Alliance (SAA), representing more than 4,000 public school principals, special education directors, business officials, school personnel administrators and superintendents throughout Wisconsin, have endorsed Governor Tony Evers for re-election.
SAA Executive Director Dee Pettack has issued the following statement regarding this endorsement:
“SAA does not often get involved in endorsing candidates in gubernatorial elections, as school administrators are nonpartisan in their approach to working with policymakers. However, we recognize that elections are about choices and priorities. This year, we believe the choice is so compelling and clear that we cannot remain silent. It is with pride and a clear sense of purpose for the public school children we serve that we endorse Governor Tony Evers for re-election due to his policy agenda for public school children in Wisconsin.
Governor Evers’ opponent, Tim Michels, is advancing an agenda we believe would do significant harm to public education in Wisconsin. He supports the unrestricted and unaccountable expansion of private school vouchers and no new investments in public schools. He supports the Parental Bill of Rights, legislation so recklessly drafted that legal analysts believe it would make providing a high-quality education for all students extremely difficult.
Finally, Michels supports a one-size-fits-all prescription from Madison dictating how local school leaders can spend resources on children.
Clearly, the sum total of the Michels education agenda is dramatic reductions in the resources devoted to educating Wisconsin public school children, along with a taxpayer-funded increase in the expansion of private vouchers.
Governor Evers’ education plan stands in stark contrast to Michels’ agenda. He has proposed significant new investments in special education, mental health programming, and general spending authority to meet the needs of all Wisconsin school children—no matter their zip code or their educational needs. The governor opposes the unrestricted expansion of private school vouchers and believes local school leaders are best positioned to determine funding priorities for the students they serve.
Finally, in the past four years, Governor Evers has time and again had the courage to veto harmful proposals that would have adversely affected the ability to educate children across the state.
Governor Evers understands the needs of public school children in Wisconsin. We need a governor who prioritizes educating our children and developing our future workforce.”
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WPF: Wisconsin Tax Burden Dropped Further in 2020
By Dee Pettack | October 18, 2022
From WisPolitics.com …State and local tax collections rose 1.7 percent in 2020 as Wisconsin’s tax burden hit its lowest level in decades.But the Wisconsin Policy Forum found the state’s national ranking for the highest state and local tax burden climbed to 18th from 24th in 2019. That’s largely because Wisconsin was one of 25 states that saw state and local revenues rise in 2020. The Wisconsin Policy Forum called that a testament to the state’s relatively strong economy in the early stages of the pandemic.The increase in state and local tax collections was the lowest for a fiscal year since 2015.The non-profit group found Wisconsin tax revenues in 2019-20 dropped to 10.07 percent of personal income from 10.3 percent the year before. It’s the lowest figure for the state in Census data that goes back to 1993. It’s also the third year in a row that Wisconsin was below the national average of 10.12 percent.Overall, state and local taxes rose to $31.05 billion from $30.52 billion the year before. Meanwhile, state and local taxes declined by 0.1 percent nationally.For the main sources of state and local taxes:
- property tax collections rose 3.1 percent to 10.12 billion in 2020. The state had the 17th highest property tax burden among the 50 states for that fiscal year.
- income tax collections decreased 2.8 percent, reflecting a downturn from the pandemic and the impact of state tax cuts. Income taxes were 2.8 percent of personal income and $1,448 per capita, ranking the state 13th and 12th highest in the country.
- corporate tax collections grew 7.9 percent in 2020 to $1.44 billion. Nationally, corporate tax collections fell 10.7 percent. Because of that, Wisconsin rose to the eighth highest corporate tax burden from 15th the year before.
- sales tax collections increased 2.5 percent to $6.3 billion while they grew nationally by 1.7 percent. The sales tax burden fell to 2 percent of personal income, 32nd highest in the country.
The Wisconsin Policy Forum noted the state’s tax burden and ranking will likely change in the next two years. For example, state tax collections rose significantly in fiscal year 2021, which will likely increase the state’s overall burden. The state’s ranking will depend, in part, on what happens in other states.Meanwhile, 2022 will include the impact of $1 billion in state income tax cuts included in the current budget. The budget also pumped significant increases in state aid to local school districts while holding overall spending caps flat. That should drive down school property taxes.See the report here.
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