Inside This Edition

	Front Page Article
The Law and You: The Dangers of Distracted Driving  Tips From a Top Producer: How to Improve Your Closing Performance Need A Tax Deduction? Recycle Your Used Cell Phone
	Legal Matters
Best of the Legal Hotline What About Those Defects? Environmental Brochure for Accurate Consumer Information Creative Financing or Fraud? Milwaukee Partnership to Stop Predatory Lending Practices
	Web Wise
Education Made Easy... Dangerous Virus Misconceptions
	Education & Products
Upcoming Classes & Events Spanish Lead Paint Disclosures Now Available! Member Benefits
	Public Policy Forum
Under the Dome McCallum Presents "Build Wisconsin" Initiative Who's Buying and Selling and What Do They Think?
	Land Use Forum
Demand For Second Homes Keeps Growing Governor's Local/ State Government Task Force Gets Down to Business Personal Income Keeps Pace With Housing Costs
	Inside the WRA
Chairman's Corner

Inside the WRA

  Chairman's Corner with Matt Miller

Happy Summer!

Like many of you, I'm looking forward to some summer fun and getaways with friends and family. However, with our market currently so active, I know I am not alone in finding it difficult to set aside the work, the opportunities and the customer needs to make time for summer recreation.

The summer activity at the WRA is equally busy. We've been focusing on state budget negotiations, political races, numerous land-use issues, educational issues, licensing issues and of course member benefit programs. 

I would like to share briefly one task I'm personally involved with: the Senate Education Finance Reform Committee. Education is paramount to the growth of Wisconsin. We all have a personal vested interest in assuring that we have the best education for our children, although the views of how to accomplish this and how to fund our system vary greatly.

The reason I bring this to light is that our industry is greatly intertwined with the educational system and the property tax system that funds education. Numerous ideas and proposals have been presented at this level that would significantly change our current funding approach. Namely:

• Sales tax on exempted categories (i.e., real estate commission);
• Increase current taxes to an "adequacy" funding level ensuring $11,000+ per student versus the current $8,000+ state-wide average; 
• A flat property tax concept;
• Regional authority and tax sharing within a region;
• Less local autonomy over program funding; and 
• State funding at a base level with local decision-making and funding of increase over base. 

Regardless of the viability, legality or political correctness of any alternative, suffice it to say that we should expect changes over the coming years. We remain diligent in assuring our interests are met while guaranteeing the best education system we can afford.

Although the political activity and rhetoric surrounding education is something I am very occupied with these days, I do plan to set some time aside to enjoy the summer. I hope many of you also look forward to the success of sales, time spent with special friends and family getaways. Have a great summer!

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