In the 2023–25 Wisconsin state budget, Gov. Tony Evers used his powerful partial-veto authority to extend a $325 per-pupil funding increase, not just for two years, but for the next 400 years. He did this by creatively editing the wording inside the budget and removing a couple of digits and a hyphen. This move guarantees that school districts can raise more money each year through local property taxes without voter input through referendum, unless the state fully covers the cost.
This new law puts long-term pressure on property taxpayers, especially if lawmakers don’t increase state funding in the biennial state budget process.
The WRA is strongly advocating for schools to be fully funded in the 2025-27 budget so that property owners will not be on the hook for dramatic increases in property taxes annually.
If K-12 education is not fully funded in this budget, the property taxes on the median valued home would increase by hundreds of dollars every biennium.
This would create hardship for seniors on a fixed income as well as families struggling to make ends meet.
Large property tax increases make it more difficult for first-time homebuyers to afford purchasing a home due to the unintended consequences of increased strain on a budget.
The WRA will keep you informed as the budget process continues to proceed forward.
