The Milwaukee County Transit system, which carries 150,000 passengers every day, is facing a funding crisis. If it fails to get dedicated funding, the service will have to close down routes. The next round of cuts will take away 30% of the bus service. As a result, the UWM Center for Economic Development predicts that 100,000 jobs in Milwaukee County will be inaccessible to transit - at a time of very high central city unemployment.
Not to forget all the other purposes for which the bus is used: shopping, medical appointments, school, social connections - especially for those who are not supposed to drive, the elderly, the young, the physically challenged. This would leave our city in disarray economically and socially. And we would certainly see a rise in uninsured and unlicensed drivers.
A bill before the State Legislator will fix this problem and allow the bus system to grow again. Yes, there is a sales tax involved, but that’s NOT the end of the story. This tax will be swapped in and the property tax will be removed as a source for transit funds. Gone, forever, with a net benefit to Milwaukee County property tax payers, and to Milwaukee County residents whether they own a home or not. Sales taxes are paid by visitors and tourists, and provide about 30% of the total sales tax revenue.
We are asking people to call their legislative Representatives (Assembly and Senator);
FIND YOUR SENATOR and REP here: http://www.legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/waml/waml.aspx:
More importantly call Majority Leader of the Senate, Senator Russ Decker, 877–496–0472
If you still have energy to help, please call Assembly Speaker (majority leader) Mike Sheridan, 888–947–0044