I agree that property taxes are too high, and we must look at why the government has responsibilities and what those responsibilities are. One example would be the requirement that local municipalities provide emergency services such as police, fire, and ambulance services. Clearly, ambulance services in our district are falling short; two ambulance companies are complaining that they cannot be properly staffed.
It is my belief that this is the government’s responsibility: passing this off to an outside third-party organization and not properly funding them is failing their duties and passing it along. Therefore, the residents are the ones suffering. Basic services of ours need to be established and prioritized.
School Referendums remain at issue, with some passing while others fail. Article #10 of the WI Constitution calls for the establishment of a “School Fund” for public education. It’s time we honor what our founders hoped when our state was established, bringing our state aid funding back north.
School districts that are underfunded by the state are unfairly targeted by residents, questioning the constant request for a referendum, when the point is that no state money is coming to that district. That is, the only way an increase can be brought to the school is by referendum. This causes an undue burden on certain districts, while others do not have to request assistance. It’s my belief that public tax dollars should only be used for public education.
Many of the working uninsured are falling through the cracks with no healthcare coverage. Businesses are burdened with the high cost of healthcare. There are solutions we need to discuss. Many working families are classified as poor. It is a travesty that the minimum wage for service workers in Wisconsin is $2.33 an hour, with waitresses and service workers dependent upon customers’ generosity to make a decent living. $2.33 has been the rate in this state for decades and needs to be addressed.
The natural beauty we live in is at risk of being taken over by the highest bidder. We need laws to protect our water, woods, and ground. While it’s accepted that the minerals in our ground have significant value in our lives, mining must be done in an environmentally safe manner, with the understanding that funds need to be set aside for reclamation upon completion or if the speculative project fails.
The recent vote on the Wake issue is not only contrary to the values of northern Wisconsin but also to the wishes of the majority of this district. Earlier this spring, the 72 counties of Wisconsin met at the Conservation Congress. The Conservation Congress and all 72 counties in this state voted down. Apparently, the voting industry currently has more influence on our representative than the people he actually serves. Our water must be protected. Our lakes and waters must be protected.
It is clear that outside groups have influence over our current election officials. My proposal is that boats from out of state be handled the same way that out-of-state ATVs and Snowmobiles are currently being handled for out-of-state visitors. Perhaps a permit pass earmarked for it will be needed for water preservation.