Milwaukee passes transit/parks/EMS advisory referendum
November 5, 2008
The public spoke loud and clear that transit
is a top priority, and must have adequate funding now.
Milwaukee County voters support funding for transit,
parks and emergency medical services in a non-binding referendum
The outpouring of support for a strong dedicated funding source for transit, in the form of a sales tax with removal of transit from the property tax, sends a crystal clear message to elected leaders, and to the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) as they prepare vote on Monday, Nov 10 on their recommendation for a dedicated funding source for bus systems and KRM Commuter Rail in the Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha region. The RTA's recommendation on transit funding will be delivered to Governor Doyle and the state legislature on November 15 for needed state action. A dedicated source of funding is needed to reverse declining bus service and a looming financial crisis that could result in cutting an additional 38% of bus service in 2010. The KRM Commuter Rail project is on hold at the federal level until a local funding source is agreed on.
Many would agree that this referendum win is very significant considering several challenging factors working to thwart the effort, including organized opposition from a national group. Considering the fact that transit referendum question was just put on the ballot in September, which left very little time to reach out and educate the public, the outcome speaks volumes. Momentum grew quickly as a successful grassroots outreach campaign was executed on a shoestring budget that was used to print literature and yard signs, and purchase bill board space.
Congratulations transit advocates!!
Referendum question:
"Shall the State of Wisconsin grant Milwaukee County the authority to provide property tax relief of at least sixty-seven million dollars ($67 million) by levying a one percent county use and sales tax to be used to remove the following three items from the property tax levy: parks, recreation and culture; transit; and emergency medical services (EMS)?"