Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania’s Columns
  • Advertise
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Aaron Hanania
      • Steve Metsch
      • Steve Neuhaus
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
    • Submit a Press Release
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Seniors
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • EVENTS
  • Toggle search form
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas
    Treasurer Maria Pappas unveils online tool detailing property tax spending as Dec. 1 tax due date looms Chicago
  • 2023 United States Mint Limited Edition Silver Proof Set®Available on November 28, 2023
    2023 United States Mint Limited Edition Silver Proof Set®Available on November 28 Baby Boomers
  • U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Citizens Against Government Waste Names Sen. Dick Durbin November 2023 Porker of the Month Economy
  • US Rep. Thomas Massie, Republican from Kentucky, sponsor of bill to eliminate double taxation on Social Security
    Vote against any member of Congress who doesn’t support this Social Security protection bill Baby Boomers
  • Andi Gladwin performs magic at The Rhapsody Theater through Nov. 19, 2023. Photo courtesy of The Rhapsody Theater
    Unveiling Wonder: Andi Gladwin’s “SHUFFLED” Delivers an Unforgettable Night of Magic at The Rhapsody Theater in Chicago Aaron Hanania
  • Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart talks with volunteers during a cleanup of the Deer Creek River in Ford Heights Village Friday Nov. 10, 2023. Photo courtesy of Sheriff Tom Dart
    Sheriff Dart and Friends of the Chicago River Join Forces to Cook County
  • Photo courtesy of the Lyons Democratic Organization
    Illinois Provides Important Resources for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Illinois Legislature
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Black Men United cohost veterans event at Hines VA Hospital Cook County
  • the second annual Stagg High School Vocational Fair featured Professionals who spent the day on November 7, 2023 discussing their careers with interested students, as well as detailing their career paths and available training. Photo courtesy of Stagg High school and District 230
    Stagg High School hosts massive Vocational Fair Education
  • Flags in Public Plaza. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Illinois ranks in bottom five in study of Best and Worst states for veteran care Civil Rights
  • money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash
    What can America do with $14.3 billion? Baby Boomers
  • Senator Mike Porfirio hosts Veterans Appreciation Luncheon at Morton College, Monday Nov. 13, 2023
    Senator Mike Porfirio hosts Veterans Appreciation Luncheon at Morton College, Monday Nov. 13, 2023 Cook County
  • Assault weapons, courtesy of WIkipedia
    Gun control debate and failure to impose severe punishments on criminals fueling American violence Blogger
  • Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital
    Nursing Moms Support Group to Celebrate Halloween with Baby Costume Contest at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital Health
  • money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash
    Pappas: School districts hiked property taxes on Cook County homes, businesses    Chicago
David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive. Photo courtesy of Milwaukee County

“Policy Forum Report Shows Sales Tax Critical to Local Government” in Milwaukee County

Posted on October 20, 2022October 20, 2022 By Ray Hanania No Comments on “Policy Forum Report Shows Sales Tax Critical to Local Government” in Milwaukee County
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Loading

“Policy Forum Report Shows Sales Tax Critical to Local Government” in Milwaukee County

County Executive Crowley’s third budget issues no major cuts to critical services, highlights the crucial role sales tax plays in stabilizing the county’s finances

Last month, County Executive David Crowley introduced the 2023 Recommended Budget which prioritizes targeted investments in public health and safety, mental health, substance abuse, youth services, public transportation, parks, and neighborhood amenities.

In the weeks since the budget’s introduction, the County’s simultaneous commitment to fiscal responsibility and community investment has been applauded by budget experts and recognized by others.

For the third year in the row, the County Executive has led the way on passing fiscally responsible budgets that reflect the County’s shared values and its organizational vision of achieving race and health equity. Although there are no major cuts to public-facing services in the 2023 budget, Milwaukee County is having to do more with less year over year as the structural budget gap persists.

However, budgetary analysis shows the 2023 County Budget is buttressed heavily by an increase in sales tax collections. Yet still, small scale service reductions had to be made in order to close a $12 million structural deficit.

David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive. Photo courtesy of Milwaukee County
David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive. Photo courtesy of Milwaukee County

 

Milwaukee County has proven it can do amazing things to serve its residents if given the resources. To continue do so, the County needs a sustainable revenue source to make the important investments that will improve quality of life in Milwaukee County.

Without a solution to our funding challenges, by 2027 the County will be unable to continue the current services like parks, bus routes, emergency services, arts, senior services, public safety, disability services, and youth services.

“Without key services residents rely on, the Southeastern region of Wisconsin can’t possibly continue our competitiveness with other global metro regions to attract capital investments and human capital to our region,” said County Executive David Crowley. “One sustainable, long-term way to solve our budget problems is to implement a local option sales tax increase. A one percent increase would create $180M in revenue, allow us to lower property taxes by a historic 14 percent, keep critical services going – and eventually make even bigger investments in equity to improve quality of life for our residents.”

What they’re saying:

“For a third year running, the county has dodged major service cuts, seeing a multi-million-dollar investment in the county-run parks and staffing, programs and opportunities at the House of Correction, which the budget envisions rebranding the Community Reintegration Center. The budget proposal also plans to inject more than $21 million into Milwaukee’s community-based mental health and substance abuse programs and support for residents.”
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 9/29/22

“[…] for the third consecutive year, the recommended budget not only avoids major cuts in services and staff, but also makes important new investments in areas like corrections reforms and parks operations, and it even initiates construction of a $127 million state-of-the-art forensic science center to house the county’s medical examiner and emergency management personnel. Moreover, pension and health care costs – which often have been a primary source of financial distress – are reduced by a combined $4.3 million, freeing up resources for other needs.”
Wisconsin Policy Forum, 2023 Budget in Brief, 10/14/22

“The budget’s positive vibes also stem from continued strong growth in sales tax revenues – up $8.8 million in the recommended budget – as well as a healthy contribution from the county’s debt service reserve, which heading into this year had a balance of nearly $120 million, more than double the amount it held just five years ago. Perhaps most encouraging is the fact that outside of transit, the recommended budget would again avoid the use of one-time federal aid from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to prop up operations; instead, those funds are largely being used for onetime needs and investments.”
Wisconsin Policy Forum, 2023 Budget in Brief, 10/14/22

“[…] the county’s stewardship of these federal funds was made possible in part by the county’s 0.5% sales tax and county departments managing spending to produce year-end budget surpluses in recent years. In the short term, inflation appears to be helping the county out. Increasing consumer prices have also driven up the county’s sales tax revenue. And, as the U.S. Federal Reserve has pushed interest rates higher in order to combat inflation, the county’s earnings on investments are projected to “sharply increase,” the policy forum notes.”
Urban Milwaukee, Policy Forum Report Shows Sales Tax Critical to Local Government, 10/17/22

“[…] one reason that Milwaukee County has not faced the same desperate need as the city of Milwaukee to plug ARPA funds into general operations is its 0.5% county sales tax. Under state law, counties are authorized to levy a sales tax of up to 0.5% (68 of the state’s 72 counties have done so) on top of the 5% sales tax imposed by the state. Municipalities are prohibited from doing so with the exception of a small number designated as special tourism districts. This advantage for Milwaukee County, particularly during a time of high inflation, has been critical. As prices have risen rapidly during the past year and pent-up consumer demand escalated after the early months of the pandemic, the county’s sales tax collections have skyrocketed.”
Wisconsin Policy Forum, 2023 Budget in Brief, 10/14/22

“The county’s budgeted sales tax collections have increased by 48.5% over the past 10 budgets, providing policymakers an extra $32.3 million over the period to spend on various priorities.  Notably, the county’s property tax levy collections have grown by only 12.1% during the same period, producing just $1.5 million more in revenue growth than the sales tax despite being the single largest revenue source in the county budget. That limited growth is due largely to state restrictions that generally limit the rate of growth in the operating levy to the net rate of new construction in the county, which has generally fallen below 2% annually and is 1.1% in the most recent year.”
Wisconsin Policy Forum, 2023 Budget in Brief, 10/14/22  

“County leaders, of course, have argued for years for an expansion of their sales tax authority. A proposal advocated by county and city of Milwaukee officials, as well as area business and civic leaders, would raise the current county rate from 0.5% to 1.5%, with the proceeds split roughly evenly between the county, its municipal governments, and property tax relief. While the Forum takes no position on this proposal, we have pointed out the benefits of revenue diversity in previous reports. The county’s recent good fortune with its sales tax collections certainly appears to buttress that case.”

Wisconsin Policy Forum, 2023 Budget in Brief, 10/14/22

Learn more about the effort to generate much needed additional revenue on MoveForwardMKE.com

Read the entire Wisconsin Policy Forum 2023 budget analysis here.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.  

Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.

Follow RayHanania on Gettr.com, the uncensored Twitter Ray Hanania on Gettr, the new Twitter
Ray Hanania
Latest posts by Ray Hanania (see all)
  • Treasurer Maria Pappas unveils online tool detailing property tax spending as Dec. 1 tax due date looms - November 28, 2023
  • 2023 United States Mint Limited Edition Silver Proof Set®Available on November 28 - November 21, 2023
  • Citizens Against Government Waste Names Sen. Dick Durbin November 2023 Porker of the Month - November 18, 2023
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
Government, News, NewsWire, Regional Midwest, Suburban Chicagoland Tags:Budget, David Crowley, Executive, Milwaukee County, sales tax

Post navigation

Previous Post: Obituary: Patty Murphy, domestic violence activist
Next Post: Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar hosts Family Resource Fair at district office

Related Posts

  • Lori Lightfoot speaking at Police Accountability Task Force hearing in 2016. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Lightfoot targets gun violence in inauguration Blogger
  • Christopher Columbus statue Chicago Grant Park. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Chicago’s Italian American Community responds to Monuments Project Chicago
  • Damage from stove-top fire extinguished by OFPD with assistance from fast acting neighbor with a fire extinguisher. Photo courtesy of the Orland Fire Protection District
    Neighbor’s fast response at early stages of stove-top fire prevented major damage to home Cook County
  • Hot times in Bridgeview Festival
  • Summit to test raffles Festival
  • Mo Adams Chicago Fire Soccer
    Chicago Fire soccer makes changes General Topics

More Related Articles

Hurley, Cunningham and O’Shea Host Local Seniors for New Year’s Eve at Noon Pizza Party Chicago
Orland Fire Protection District acquires 6 Stryker Xpedition Powered Stair Chairs to more easily and safely rescue victims in emergencies Orland Fire District utilizes new technology to increase emergency victim safety Fire
Chicago crime rates 2013. Courtesy of WIkipedia America needs balanced discussion on racial injustice, not a political one Blogger
Police Squad Car, courtesy of Wikipedia Should there be restrictions in wake of Orland Mall shooting Business
Police officer saluting We need to defend the Police against “cancel culture” corruption Blogger
Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Statement from Chairman Madigan on sexual harassment Government

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • US Rep. Thomas Massie, Republican from Kentucky, sponsor of bill to eliminate double taxation on Social Security
    Vote against any member of Congress who doesn’t support this Social Security protection bill
    November 17, 2023
  • Andi Gladwin performs magic at The Rhapsody Theater through Nov. 19, 2023. Photo courtesy of The Rhapsody Theater
    Unveiling Wonder: Andi Gladwin’s “SHUFFLED” Delivers an Unforgettable Night of Magic at The Rhapsody Theater in Chicago
    November 13, 2023
  • money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash
    What can America do with $14.3 billion?
    November 6, 2023
  • Assault weapons, courtesy of WIkipedia
    Gun control debate and failure to impose severe punishments on criminals fueling American violence
    November 4, 2023
  • Two Guys on Politics Podcast with former Congressman Bill Lipinski and former Chicago City Hall reporter Ray Hanania
    The Maine massacre & gun control, & the election of Rep. Johnson as House Speaker
    October 29, 2023
  • Handicap parking space. Handicapped
    Issues and controversies that I just can’t seem to ignore
    October 28, 2023

Events Calendar

  • Lighting of the Green: Frankfort, Illinois' most anticipated holiday tradition returns
    Lighting of the Green: Frankfort, Illinois' most anticipated holiday tradition returns
    30 Nov 23
    Frankfort

Subscribe

  • Ray-Hanania-Newsletter-300-wide-Banner.jpg
  • NEWS
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas
    Treasurer Maria Pappas unveils online tool detailing property tax spending as Dec. 1 tax due date looms
    November 28, 2023
  • 2023 United States Mint Limited Edition Silver Proof Set®Available on November 28, 2023
    2023 United States Mint Limited Edition Silver Proof Set®Available on November 28
    November 21, 2023
  • U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Citizens Against Government Waste Names Sen. Dick Durbin November 2023 Porker of the Month
    November 18, 2023
  • Andi Gladwin performs magic at The Rhapsody Theater through Nov. 19, 2023. Photo courtesy of The Rhapsody Theater
    Unveiling Wonder: Andi Gladwin’s “SHUFFLED” Delivers an Unforgettable Night of Magic at The Rhapsody Theater in Chicago
    November 13, 2023
  • Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart talks with volunteers during a cleanup of the Deer Creek River in Ford Heights Village Friday Nov. 10, 2023. Photo courtesy of Sheriff Tom Dart
    Sheriff Dart and Friends of the Chicago River Join Forces to
    November 10, 2023
  • Photo courtesy of the Lyons Democratic Organization
    Illinois Provides Important Resources for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families
    November 8, 2023
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png
Ziyad Brothers serving the Arab American community since 1966
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Ad Oct -Nov 2023

Trending

  • Vehicle crashes into Orland Park Post Office on 114th Place. Car crashes into Orland P... Car crashes into Orland Park post Office At approximately 1:49 PM on Thursd... posted on September 22, 2023
  • Veteran Diana Howard addresses a disrespectful Village of Orland Park Village Board meeting on August 21, 2023. She was viciously attacked in Mayor Pekau's eNewsletter Veteran Diana Howard cour... Veteran Diana Howard courageously confronts abusive Orland Park Mayor By Ra... posted on September 6, 2023
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at Celebrity Fight Night XXIII in Phoenix, Arizona.. Photo courtesy of WIkipedia YouGov Poll shows Robert... YouGov Poll shows Robert F. Kennedy Jr Presidential candidacy surging Poll:... posted on September 27, 2023
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon Hastings urges residents... Hastings urges residents to apply for energy bill assistance program State... posted on September 18, 2023
  • money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash Fritz Kaegi’s artif... Fritz Kaegi's artificial inflation of property assessments to protect busin... posted on September 27, 2023

What We’re Reading

Arab News Newspaper Leading English Language Publication in the GulfArab News Newspaper

Ray Hanania on Politics
SW News Newspaper Group

  • SPORTS
  • Photo courtesy of PRIMETIME Sports and SeatGeek Stadium
    SeatGeek features competition between Club Deportivo Guadalajara and Club Leon on Saturday Sept. 9
    September 8, 2023
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Senator Michael Hasting ensures degraded former Tinley Park Mental Health Center to be revitalized into a sports park in new law
    May 24, 2023
  • Michael Schofield III Sports Complex, Orland Park. Scoreboard
    Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation Sponsor Park Redevelopment
    May 23, 2023
  • Chicago Hounds rugby at Seat Geek Stadium July 8, 2023
    Chicago Hounds rugby announce plans for Dawg Town block party
    May 11, 2023
  • NEWS RELEASES
  • 2023 United States Mint Limited Edition Silver Proof Set®Available on November 28, 2023
    2023 United States Mint Limited Edition Silver Proof Set®Available on November 28
    November 21, 2023
  • U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Citizens Against Government Waste Names Sen. Dick Durbin November 2023 Porker of the Month
    November 18, 2023
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Black Men United cohost veterans event at Hines VA Hospital
    November 7, 2023
  • money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash
    Pappas: School districts hiked property taxes on Cook County homes, businesses   
    October 30, 2023
  • Fire extinguished at Al-Hayba Hookah Lounge (formerly Ale House), 135th Street on Saturday Oct. 21, 2023
    No one injured in structure fire at 135th an Harlem, Al-Hayba Hookah Lounge
    October 21, 2023
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    Systems can create parental alienation, and add barriers to healthy families and father inclusion.
    October 19, 2023
  • Eva Rinaldi, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
    Rupert Murdoch and the International News Empire
    October 4, 2023
  • money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash
    Fritz Kaegi’s artificial inflation of property assessments to protect businesses
    September 27, 2023
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Hastings pleased to see more than $700,000 in grants awarded to local hotels
    September 13, 2023
  • WORD PRESS REVIEWS
  • MyCloud by Western Digital, a hard drive that doesn't last. Don't purchase Western Digital.
    Western Digital tubes its loyal customers for profit
    October 17, 2021
  • Macho Themes website front page. Don't buy their themes. They don't work
    Difficulties with Macho Themes for WordPress
    August 21, 2021
  • TECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
  • Orland Fire Protection District acquires 6 Stryker Xpedition Powered Stair Chairs to more easily and safely rescue victims in emergencies
    Orland Fire District utilizes new technology to increase emergency victim safety
    August 20, 2023
  • Suspect Alisa Velcu charged in Verion Store theft July 26, 2023 in Bloomington, Illinois. Mugshot supplied by the DuPage County State's Attorney
    Bond Set for Two Women Charged with Robbing Bloomingdale Verizon Wireless Store
    July 26, 2023
  • The Village of Orland Hills, Mayor Kyle Hastings State Senator Michael Hastings and Orland Township Highway Commissioner Antonio Rubino are partnering to host a Free "Shred and E-Recycling" day for families to be held Saturday August 26, 2023.
    Orland Hills to host “Shred and E-Recycling Day” Saturday August 26, 2023
    July 18, 2023

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

Click this link to watch or use the widget below:

Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.
Email Ray Hanania for more information about performing at your event at rghanania@gmail.com.

The Political Pundit

Political Pundit Aug. 24, 2021. Taliban thanks president for boxes of MAGA hats

Follow Ray Hanania at
Gab.com, MeWe.com
IDobbinate.com,
Twitter, Facebook

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Categories

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme