Photos

Content referencing Curt Witynski

Republicans Concerned About Housing Shortage, Local Zoning Rules

Republicans Concerned About Housing Shortage, Local Zoning Rules

Need for more housing pushes conservatives to consider loosening local zoning rules.

The State of Politics: Referendums Fund Emergency Services
The State of Politics

Referendums Fund Emergency Services

23 local referendums in November requested funding for police, fire, parks and more.

Cities Seek State Approval for Tax Increases

Cities Seek State Approval for Tax Increases

With state aid flat, municipalities struggle to fund services like police and fire departments.

State’s Local Governments Getting $2.3 Billion

State’s Local Governments Getting $2.3 Billion

Must create plans to spend federal pandemic aid on COVID-19 response and economic losses.

The State of Politics: Evers Wants Local Climate Change Plans
The State of Politics

Evers Wants Local Climate Change Plans

Governor's budget would require every local government in state to create a plan.

Cities Across State Facing “Painful” Budgets

Cities Across State Facing “Painful” Budgets

Pandemic slashes revenue streams for cities large and small.

State Law Allows Suspended Cops on Payroll

State Law Allows Suspended Cops on Payroll

Sometimes for years. Grothman supported 2007 bill to add restrictions, which didn’t pass.

The State of Politics: Milwaukee Leaders Plead for 1% Sales Tax
The State of Politics

Milwaukee Leaders Plead for 1% Sales Tax

Stark statistics presented at legislative hearing. But some GOP lawmakers unmoved.

The State of Politics: Wheel Tax Now Ranges from $85 to $253
The State of Politics

Wheel Tax Now Ranges from $85 to $253

As cities and counties add vehicle registration fees, your cost depends on where you live.

Examining the Dark-Store Loophole

Examining the Dark-Store Loophole

Loophole lets big box stores lower their taxes while effectively raising taxes for residents.

Transportation: Evers Touts $75 Million Local Grants Fund
Transportation

Evers Touts $75 Million Local Grants Fund

Competitive grants for local transportation replace state roads fund, includes mass transit.

Governor Evers Announces Transportation Stakeholder Task Force
Press Release

Governor Evers Announces Transportation Stakeholder Task Force

Together, this group will discuss the state’s critical transportation issues and seek solutions to these challenges.

Cities Changing Sex Offender Residency Rules

Cities Changing Sex Offender Residency Rules

Milwaukee, Brookfield, West Allis, others expanding areas where offenders can live.

The State of Politics: Republican Bill Limits Wheel Tax
The State of Politics

Republican Bill Limits Wheel Tax

Local wheel taxes increased 73% in 2017; bill requires referendum approval.

Fighting the “Dark Store Loophole”

Fighting the “Dark Store Loophole”

Big box stores like Walgreens and Menards claim tax loophole. Cities oppose it.

Back in the News: 8 Problems With Privatizing Water Utilities
Back in the News

8 Problems With Privatizing Water Utilities

Media has now jumped on the issue, adding more info on why proposed bill is a mistake.

Murphy’s Law: Will Bill Privatize Water Utilities?
Murphy’s Law

Will Bill Privatize Water Utilities?

Proposed law opens door to companies like Aqua America running local water utilities.

The State of Politics: E-Cigarettes Lights Up Capitol Fight
The State of Politics

E-Cigarettes Lights Up Capitol Fight

Should they be taxed like cigarettes, banned from restaurants/bars or protected from local regulations?

Plenty of Horne: Marquette Likely to Get Its Own Police Force
Plenty of Horne

Marquette Likely to Get Its Own Police Force

Bill would give MU police the power to arrest on and off campus, and pursue criminals anywhere in the state.

Murphy’s Law: The Decline of Local Control
Murphy’s Law

The Decline of Local Control

Republicans favor local control. So why are they passing so many laws ending it?