Historic Shared Revenue Bill Signed into Law: WCA Commends Governor and Legislature for Agreement to Fund Local Governments

County leaders from around Wisconsin were in attendance Tuesday, June 20, 2023 in Wausau as Governor Evers signed into law AB 245, a historic bill that will provide much needed funding to counties and other local units of government.

“Today is truly an extraordinary day, as we saw the bipartisan efforts of both the Governor and Legislature come to fruition and find common ground in the funding of local governments,” said WCA President & CEO Mark D. O’Connell. “Working alongside our state leaders, this new law creates a sustainable funding source for local governments and more closely aligns incentives for government to promote a vibrant and flourishing economy,”

He continued, “Under this momentous agreement, local governments will see an increase in shared revenue payments linked to our state’s economy, creating the resources to provide the vital services our citizens need.”

Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann stated, “This only happens because of great leadership. Governor Evers, Senator Felzkowski, Representative Kurtz, Speaker Vos, Majority Leader LeMahieu deserve all the credit. Their work in a bipartisan manner created landmark legislation that will impact our state for generations to come.”

Counties are on the frontline of service delivery, and the shared revenue bill will provide much needed funding for programs and services.

“As counties, we are caring for people with mental health and drug addiction, developmental disabilities, we are keeping our communities safe, and maintaining and providing strong infrastructure,” said Winnebago County Executive Jon Doemel. “There are no political lines or partisan boundaries to these vital services.”

“Landmark legislation requires compromise and great vision. This legislation has both,” said Sheboygan County Supervisor Tom Wegner.

“What Wisconsin has today is a model for the country regarding how local government can be funded,” said Marathon County Board Chair Kurt Gibbs. “The state and local partnership in Wisconsin is strong,”

“Representative Kurtz and Senator Felzkowksi worked incredibly hard to make this legislation happen,” said Sauk County Supervisor Marty Krueger. “The citizens of Wisconsin are the better for their leadership.”

“With inflation and an increase in service demands, strong leadership has never been needed more,” said Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman. “Our state elected officials have put the needs of Wisconsinites front and center as they address today’s challenges with common sense solutions.”

“Working with Governor Evers and our legislative leaders, we were able to fashion legislation which addresses the unique needs of Milwaukee, while also benefitting every local unit of government in Wisconsin,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “This legislation permits Milwaukee County to chart a course for success.”

O’Connell concluded, “Linking future revenue increases to the success of the economy is truly visionary. If the goal of this legislation was to position our state and its citizens for future prosperity, the Governor and Legislature have done just that, and we are grateful for their efforts.”