Gov. Scott Walker proposes $100 million in property tax relief

Governor Walker announced $100 million property tax cut

MADISON (WITI) -- Gov. Scott Walker is calling a special session of the state Legislature to pass a bill that would provide $100 million in property tax relief to Wisconsin taxpayers.

"That's 100 million dollars for working families, senior citizens, farmers and small business owners all across the state. The taxpayers of this state helped us create the surplus. It's only right that we draw down their property taxes in that regard," Gov. Walker said.

Gov. Walker says the proposed relief would mark the third consecutive year the average homeowner sees a reduction. Throughout the next two years, Gov. Walker says those homeowners will see a total savings of about $250.

However, a representative from the Legislative Fiscal Bureau in Madison says based on a $148,000 home, most taxpayers will only see $13 in relief during the first year.

The bill that includes the relief is expected to be introduced in the Legislature on Friday, October 11th. Gov. Walker would like to be able to sign the legislation into law as soon as possible -- no later than early November. That would ensure the property tax relief would be reflected in property tax bills that are issued in December.

The money will be funneled to municipalities through school districts over the next two years.

Democratic state Rep. Sandy Pasch says a better proposal would be giving money directly to schools, to try and make up for past budget cuts.

"He's tinkering again with public education funding. That seems to be his favorite pot to take from. What do you think is behind the timing of this? Well, I think there is a governor's race coming up," Rep. Pasch said.

Rep. Pasch says no Democrats were a part of this proposal, and says lawmakers on both sides of the aisle will need more time to consider it.

"It's a little fuzzy on how much this will actually be for the average homeowner," Rep. Pasch said.

Democratic state Sen. Chris Larson also has problems with the proposal.

"The thing that is really frustrating to me as a Democratic leader, is we just sat down with the Governor yesterday, and he was talking about how he can work with lawmakers, and he didn't mention this!" Sen. Larson said.

Bob Larson is the president elect of the Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors. He says if there was an announcement of no property tax increase, it would be newsworthy. The fact that homeowners will be getting money back is a big deal.

"I can't see how anything could possibly be negative out of it. I've been in the business about 18-and-a-half years, and I've never seen taxes go down has anyone other then home values lately and income?" Larson said.