Fiscal Facts

People who move away from Wisconsin tend to be more highly educated than those who stay in the state or those who move here from elsewhere, highlighting the state’s need to attract and retain college graduates.

mMunicipalities and counties in Wisconsin have increasingly turned to fees for services — also known as charges to residents — to support their operations.

As Wisconsin’s main state land conservation program marks its 30th anniversary this year, it spent the lowest amount ever on land purchases last year.

Gov. Tony Evers’ 2019-21 proposal shows his state budget priorities include spending on public schools, prisons, and the University of Wisconsin System.

Although lawmakers removed Gov. Evers’ proposals from the state budget, the debate over the state’s marijuana laws remains relevant and timely.

Statewide room tax collections have more than doubled since 1999, growing faster than inflation or state and local taxes collectively in Wisconsin.

State budget provisions put forward by Gov. Tony Evers would limit the use of TIF funds to make cash grants to developers rather than more traditional investments in public infrastructure such as streets and sewers.

Of the ten states where local governments depend most on the property tax, Wisconsin’s limits appear to be the strictest.

Wisconsin local governments rank seventh nationally among states for being the most reliant on the property tax for their revenues.

State aid to local governments has stagnated over time, which has increased the reliance of local governments on the property tax.