Sales Tax Proposal Would Increase Revenue Diversification, Support Local Communities

As part of his 2021-23 biennial budget that will be introduced in full next week, Governor Tony Evers today announced a proposal that would allow counties to impose an additional 0.5 percent sales tax if approved by referendum. The proposal would also allow, if supported and approved by referendum, municipalities with populations in excess of 30,000 to impose a 0.5 percent sales tax.

We appreciate and thank Governor Evers for recognizing the financial constraints that exist in local communities, and proposing this measure that would give residents the ability to decide whether they feel more resources should be allocated to support essential services locally.

The benefits of this proposal are abundant. The ability to raise additional revenue via sales tax would allow Milwaukee to become less reliant on property tax dollars, capture new revenue from tourists and commuters who visit our great city, and help support investment in city services, infrastructure and other local priorities, among other benefits.

In the coming weeks as discussions occur, we would ask the Legislature to maintain this proposal as part of the budget. We strongly believe it is in the best interest of Milwaukee, as well as communities statewide.