Governor Rejects Basic Protections for Property Taxpayers
MADISON, Wis. — Legislation by Senator Rob Hutton (R-Brookfield) and Representative Amanda Nedweskitony (R-Pleasant Prairie) that requires school districts to meet basic accountability standards before asking taxpayers to approve higher property taxes was vetoed by Governor Evers on Friday.
Assembly Bill 457 requires school districts to be in compliance with existing Department of Public Instruction financial reporting requirements before placing an operating or capital referendum on the ballot—a basic taxpayer protection. The bill does not create any new reports or mandates, it simply ensures that basic financial reports that are already required are current and complete before voters are asked to approve higher taxes.
AB 457 was drafted in the wake of the Milwaukee Public Schools referendum where voters approved a $252 million recurring referendum only to learn afterward that the district was a fiscal mess behind the scenes and out of compliance with state requirements.
In his veto message, the Governor objected to creating additional barriers to school districts initiating a referendum. “Turning in your homework on time should be expected—we expect that of students. Basic fiscal responsibility should be a barrier—we expect that of moms and dads when they apply for bank loans,” Hutton said.
“This is about respect for taxpayers. Before school district officials ask for more money from families who are barely making ends meet and seniors living on fixed incomes, they should meet some basic standard of accountability. It is regrettable that Governor Evers disagrees,” Hutton said.
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.
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