MMAC announces opposition to MPS referendum

High costs, lack of clear plan play into decision

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce (MMAC) has announced its opposition to the $252 million Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) referendum to be decided by voters April 2.
 
In a letter to membership released late last week, MMAC President Dale Kooyenga said: “After listening to stakeholders and surveying its Board of Directors, the MMAC is opposing this measure.”
 

The referendum would increase the MPS portion of property taxes by nearly 30 percent – putting further pressure on the wallets of district’s taxpayers. 

​“These increased costs put our city’s growth in serious jeopardy. Compared to a dozen other Midwestern cities, Milwaukee already ranks among the highest in percentage of homeowners paying more than 30 percent of their income toward housing,” said Kooyenga. “This measure and its accompanying property tax increase will only exacerbate the problem. During a time in which talent attraction and retention is priority, ever-increasing housing prices put us at a competitive disadvantage.”
 
A lack of a clear, concise plan when it comes to improving academic outcomes make the exorbitant costs of the measure even harder to swallow.
 
“This referendum is being brought forward less than five years after passage of an $87 million revenue limit increase without a clear plan on how to improve educational outcomes, even as academic performance continues to be at or near the bottom of all major school districts,” Kooyenga said. “We cannot continue to perpetuate the same strategies and expect different outcomes.”
 
Kooyenga said regardless of the referendum’s outcome, MMAC remains committed to partnering with MPS and all publicly funded school operators to ensure every child in Milwaukee receives a high-quality education.
 
“Our stance is not a stance against public schools,” said Kooyenga. “MPS is a vital part of our educational ecosystem and its success is paramount to the success of the region.”

Dale addressed the MPS referendum during his weekly appearance on 620 WTMJ. LISTEN HERE >