County Board comments about dedicated funding amendment approval

Milwaukee County Board Chairman Lee Holloway, along with Supervisors Michael Mayo, Sr., Gerry Broderick and John F. Weishan, Jr., released the following joint statement in response to the State Senate’s action related to dedicated funding for mass transit, parks, cultural and emergency medical services in Milwaukee County:

“The Senate’s decision to approve an amendment that is largely consistent with the referendum approved by Milwaukee County voters in November is appreciated. In particular, we thank Senator Lena Taylor for her support and leadership on behalf of Milwaukee County residents. Senator Taylor and her colleagues in the Milwaukee County State Legislative Delegation that supported this initiative have demonstrated their understanding of the crucial long-term funding challenges facing Milwaukee County. Granting Milwaukee County this authority is a major step forward.

“Dedicated funding is the first step in modernizing the delivery of mass transit services in Milwaukee County and beyond. This action contributes to the development of a comprehensive transportation system in Milwaukee County. In addition, this authority also gives us the tools necessary to preserve our parks and cultural institutions for future generations. This action will likely go to a Conference Committee, and we encourage all members of the Senate and Assembly to support all of these important initiatives for the residents of Milwaukee County and all of southeastern Wisconsin.

“We at the County Board took the bold step of holding last November’s referendum in Milwaukee County, and we intend to continue working with members of the Legislature to make sure that Milwaukee County can effectively lower property taxes and dedicate funding to mass transit, parks, recreation, culture and emergency medical services. A supermajority of the County Board is determined to use dedicated funding to reduce the property tax burden. This is great news for all Milwaukee County residents.”

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