Message from Rep. Jon Richards concerning parks funding legislation

Dear Neighbor,

Earlier this week, we took another important step towards saving our county parks by passing AB 504 out of committee. In addition to providing up to $40 million in property tax relief, AB 504 would put our county parks on a much firmer financial footing. Under this proposal, the county parks would be paid for by sales tax and not property taxes. I believe this legislation is a common sense, first step to helping get our parks back to world class shape. Our next step is to press for a vote in the Assembly and State Senate.

AB 504 reflects the wishes of Milwaukee County residents who supported our parks. In our district, the referendum passed by a large margin. Recent articles in the press have highlighted the perilous financial condition of our parks.

Recently, we have seen evidence of our parks and beaches moving in the right direction. For example, last summer Bradford Beach near Milwaukee’s East Side received the prestigious Blue Wave Certification from the National Clean Beaches Council. This award is the first of its kind national environmental certification for beaches. This award was the result of collaborative efforts of state and local governments, community groups, and businesses. This is something that our community can be very proud of.

The Milwaukee parks legislation will provide a dedicated funding source for our parks with the hope that the successes we have seen at Bradford Beach can be replicated throughout Milwaukee County Parks system.

Please email me at rep.richards@legis.wi.gov or call my office toll free at (888) 534-0019 if I can be of service to you. You can also visit my website at www.jonrichards.org <http://www.jonrichards.org> .

Best Regards,

Representative Jon Richards

19th Assembly District