As City Property Tax Bills Are Issued, MPS Again Thanks Community for its Support of 2024 Referendum

(MILWAUKEE) — Thanks to the 2024 referendum approved by voters, Milwaukee Public Schools has been able to maintain its academic, arts, and wellness offerings for students enhanced as a result of the 2020 referendum.

City property tax bills are reaching Milwaukee taxpayers now. We understand that the increase from the 2024 MPS referendum will have an impact on household finances.

The decision to go to referendum was not made lightly. Because of long-term underfunding by the state, the MPS referendum was urgent and necessary.

Milwaukee Public Schools was not alone in asking for the support of its community. The state’s underfunding drove a record number of public school districts to pursue referenda in 2024, with more than 240 referenda on ballots; 169 were passed by voters.

Without the April 2024 referendum, many MPS programs, including advanced education classes and support for mental health, were at risk of being cut.

In addition, MPS was able to avoid cuts to staffing this school year because of the referendum, while also avoiding a 13% cut to school budgets and a 26% cut to department budgets.

The investment provided by the 2024 referendum is having a direct impact on students every day and providing them with greater opportunities. Milwaukee Public Schools is grateful for the community’s support of our children.

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.