Republican Legislature’s Refusal to Fund Schools Gives Wisconsinites Unwelcome Gift – Higher Property Taxes

MADISON, Wis. — Just in time for the holidays, and as Trump’s tariffs and Republicans’ MAGA budget bill increase everyday living costs, Wisconsinites are opening up their mail to find yet another increasing cost: their property tax bill.

Republicans’ cruel actions have forced record numbers of school districts across the state to ask taxpayers to help them keep the lights on. Recent reporting confirms that Wisconsinites’ property tax bills are skyrocketing thanks directly to Wisconsin Republicans’ chronic refusal to adequately fund local public schools.

“Hard working Wisconsinites are already trying to manage rising costs on everything from groceries to health insurance. Now they’re facing double digit property tax increases, and all roads lead back to Wisconsin Republicans refusing to step up and help,” said A Better Wisconsin Together Deputy Director Mike Browne.

According to an analysis by the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau, plans proposed this year by Gov. Evers and legislative Democrats would have all but eliminated the projected property tax increases. Yet, Republicans voted to deny local schools any increase in state general school aid and scaled back desperately needed increases in special education aid to special education.

In just the last two years (2024 – 2025) school districts have been forced to go to referendums in 96 of the 99 state Assembly districts. Among the areas of the state hardest hit by GOP refusal to support public schools and help property taxpayers are those represented by Sen. Howard Marklein and Rep. Todd Novak, where there were 25 local school district referendums.

“The impacts of Republicans’ longstanding and continuing refusal to support public education are stunning,” Browne said. “Wisconsin students, teachers, and taxpayers shouldn’t have to keep paying the price for Republicans’ partisan political antics.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.