Supervisors O’Connor, Gómez-Tom, Bielinski, and Martinez – County Residents Should Not Be Asked to Pay More, Get Less

MILWAUKEE – Today, on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors convened to receive the 2026 recommended budget from County Executive David Crowley. Supervisors Anne O’Connor, Caroline Gómez-Tom, Justin Bielinski, and Juan Miguel Martinez issued the following joint statement:

“This budget, as proposed, forces County residents to pay more while getting less. We thank the County Executive and his administration for the hard work they have put in under extremely difficult circumstances, but to be clear, this proposal is the starting point, not the end. We need the public’s voice to shape what comes next. As Supervisors, we are committed to protecting transit, maintaining core community services, and prioritizing the needs of working families across Milwaukee County. We need to hear from you!

“Nearly half of the tax levy is spent on law enforcement and incarceration—including courts, the Sheriff, District Attorney, County Jail, and the CRC—while behavioral health services are facing a proposed $17.6 million cut. This is not how we make Milwaukee the healthiest county in Wisconsin. Milwaukee County faces strict state-imposed levy caps that limit flexibility, yet the budget continues to prioritize reactive approaches over prevention, forcing difficult choices that undermine public health and community well-being.

“Transit is another major flashpoint. The recommended budget calls for double-digit service reductions, up to 15%, across Milwaukee County Transit System. For working people, seniors, and students who rely on the bus, this would mean longer waits, fewer routes, and difficulty accessing jobs, schools, and healthcare.”

The Supervisors also highlighted the impact of other levels of government on Milwaukee County’s budget. State government continues to shortchange the county: despite recent actions, more money flows out of Milwaukee to support state coffers than comes back in aid. At the same time, the federal government is scaling back support, phasing out relief funds, and leaving counties to address growing needs with increasingly limited resources.

“Milwaukee County cannot be left holding the bag while the State and Federal government fail to do their part,” the Supervisors said. “We need a fair deal for our residents, and that won’t happen unless the public steps in, speaks out, and demands better.”

Public Input Opportunities

The Supervisors urged residents to make their voices heard at the Annual Public Hearing on the 2026 Recommended Budget and at their upcoming district town halls:

• Oct. 7 – Supervisor Bielinski – West Allis Public Library, 6 p.m.
• Oct. 8 – Supervisors O’Connor and Wasserman – Shorewood Public Library, 6 p.m.
• Oct. 14 – Supervisors Gómez-Tom, Wasserman, Eckblad, Martinez, Capriolo, and Bielinski – Kosciuszko Community Center, 5:30 p.m.
• Oct. 28 – Supervisors Martinez and Gómez-Tom – Mitchell Park Domes, 5 p.m.

The Annual Public Hearing will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the Mitchell Park Domes. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., and the hearing begins at 6:00 p.m. Free public access to the Domes runs from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

“This budget affects every resident of Milwaukee County. Show up. Speak out. Together, we can make sure the final budget reflects our community’s real priorities.”

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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