MMAC opposes upcoming MPS Referendum

On April 2, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) will ask voters for a quarter-billion dollar increase in its annual revenue limit, much of it funded through property taxes. After listening to stakeholders and surveying its Board of Directors, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce (MMAC) is opposing this measure.
 
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 city school districts. We cannot continue to perpetuate the same strategies and expect different outcomes. 

​​The lack of a concise plan makes this measure’s price tag far too high for property taxpayers who will see a 26 percent increase in the MPS portion of their annual bill – 40 percent of whom are commercial property taxpayers.
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 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. 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.
 
Our stance is not a stance against public schools. MPS is a vital part of our educational ecosystem and its success is paramount to the success of the region. Regardless of the result of this referendum, we will continue to partner with MPS and all publicly funded school operators to ensure that every child in Milwaukee receives a high-quality education.
 
Sincerely,
Dale Kooyenga
President, MMAC

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