Strong Schools Build Strong Communities
But if lawmakers don’t fund schools in the state budget, you pick up the costs through higher property taxes
In 2011, lawmakers enacted strict levy limits, saving property owners more than $14 billion in property taxes over the past decade. However, if a local government or school district wishes to increase the levy limit, it must seek approval from voters through a referendum. Under this process, voters decide whether to raise their own taxes.
But now, that safeguard is at risk.
A veto in the 2023 state budget created a $325 per student increase every year for the next 400 years. This new state law provides that if K-12 schools are not fully funded in this state budget, those levy limits will be bypassed automatically without voter approval.
This move sidesteps the local referendum process that requires your vote to raise your own property taxes.
If the schools are not fully funded in the budget, this means increased property taxes for farmers, small businesses, first-time home buyers, families struggling to make ends meet, and seniors on a fixed income.
Wisconsin Already Ranks:
- 8th highest in property taxes nationwide
- 2nd highest in the Midwest
This looming increase will fall hardest on:
- Seniors on fixed incomes
- Working families already stretched thin
- First-time homebuyers struggling to afford their dream
- Farmers working to provide for the community
- Small businesses battling to stay open
According to the Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau, the median homeowner could pay over $300 more in property taxes within just two years.
This is unsustainable.
Fund Schools. Don’t Bury Homeowners in Property Taxes.
Tell Your Lawmaker
