Green Bay Reporter

Overturning Wisconsin's Act 10, a law limiting collective bargaining for government workers, could lead to significant financial consequences for the state's schools, according to a report by the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL). The report estimates that repealing the law would cost schools nearly $1.8 billion in additional expenses, potentially resulting in $624 in new property taxes annually for homeowners statewide.

Dr. Will Flanders, research director for WILL and author of the report, said: "Wisconsin families are already struggling to make ends meet under the pressure of high taxes and inflation. Ending Act 10 would bring massive new costs to Wisconsin families at a time they can ill afford them."

The potential tax increases vary across different regions. Racine homeowners might see an average increase of $650, while those in Green Bay could face hikes over $764. In Waukesha, property taxes might rise by $865. Prairie du Chien and Kenosha could experience even larger increases of up to $1,040 and $1,126 respectively. Beloit homeowners may encounter the highest increase at $2,568 annually.

The report includes a tool allowing residents to calculate their potential property tax hike by school district.

Susan Crawford, a Democrat-endorsed candidate for the Wisconsin Supreme Court seat on April 1, has been vocal about her opposition to Act 10. In her previous role as a private lawyer in Madison, she helped challenge portions of the law. Despite downplaying her stance during her current campaign, she has previously expressed support for abolishing Act 10.

Crawford faces former Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel in the upcoming election. Early voting begins on February 4 ahead of the February 18 primary.

Information from this article can be found here.