Among 85 Wisconsin school districts seeking tax hikes Tuesday, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) is making far and away the biggest ask.
Collectively, districts of all sizes in all corners of the state are asking voters to approve referendums seeking billions of dollars in increased revenue or borrowing.
Most are asking voters either for permission to borrow money for capital projects or maintenance, or for temporary revenue limit increases. Some, like Milwaukee, seek permanent revenue limit increases that will hike taxes year after year. Still others – including Drummond, Richland, Hamilton, River Valley, Lake Country, Port Edwards and North Lakeland – have more than one referendum on the ballot.
MPS is seeking an eventual, permanent increase to its revenue limit of $252 million annually. The Badger Institute, after researching MPS’ track record in variety of areas, recommends a “no” vote – for all the reasons noted below:
