Q: What is The Wisconsin Way?
A: The Wisconsin Way is a non-partisan, grassroots effort to refine and modernize taxes and government by creating a more fair and equitable funding system that promotes excellence in education and public service. Between October 2007 and August 2008, The Wisconsin Way organized 28 public forums in 15 Wisconsin communities, and held more than 100 institutional briefings. Wisconsin Way organizers have been working diligently with industry economists, private sector policy analysts, UW–Madison public affairs faculty members and a prestigious advisory panel to research and frame Wisconsin citizens' comments and visions into potential policy solutions. In December 2008, Wisconsin Way released its first draft of a 'blueprint for change' based on the public's input and priorities. Throughout 2009, sponsors of the Wisconsin Way continued to meet with leaders and experts statewide to refine the blueprint for change, which was released in the spring of 2010.
Q: Who is involved?
A: Wisconsin residents with different viewpoints and from all walks of life are being invited to come together for public conversations on property tax issues and possible solutions to the challenges we all face in protecting and preserving Wisconsin’s unique quality of life. The Wisconsin Way is supported by a growing coalition of Wisconsin organizations and individuals. The effort is funded by the Wisconsin Counties Association, the Wisconsin Education Association Council, the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association, Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association, Wood Communications Group and the League of Wisconsin Municipalities.
Q: What am I being asked to do?
A: As a public forum participant or citizen concerned about Wisconsin's current state of affairs, you’ll be asked to review the blueprint for change, provide comments on the first draft and attend one to three full-day conferences during April and May to examine and provide feedback on potential solutions for concerns about tax structure, government management, infrastructure, economic development, government efficiency and spending raised by citizens throughout the state. You may also be asked to take a brief online survey or participate in a follow-up meeting as part of an effort to develop realistic policy solutions.
As a citizen concerned about Wisconsin's current state of affairs, you’ll be encouraged to continue the conversation by talking to your legislators along with co-workers, friends and family about the blueprint for change — a comprehensive plan that addresses economic development, tax reform and modernization, and spending reform and improved government service delivery — in order to help secure Wisconsin’s success in the future.
Q: What is the timetable?
A: Property tax reform is an urgent matter. The aggressive timetable for The Wisconsin Way effort is meant to generate recommendations from a broad base of state residents that can be used to advance meaningful reforms as part of the legislative sessions and election cycles. You and other forum participants are being contacted now to generate interest in events that will occur in your community this spring and summer.
The need to stimulate economic development and improve tax fairness is an urgent matter. The aggressive timetable for The Wisconsin Way effort is meant to generate recommendations from a broad base of state residents that can be used to advance meaningful reforms as part of the legislative sessions and election cycles. We are working with concerned citizens, like you, to continue the conversation in 2010. Sponsors of the effort plan to discuss the proposed recommendations with the Legislature as well as academic, governmental and policy experts.
Q: Why is this important?
A: Surveys show Wisconsin’s property taxes place a real burden on the budgets of Wisconsin families, and when measured against our income, Wisconsin’s property taxes rank 8th highest in the nation. State residents overwhelmingly favor change, but to date, no real reform effort has also taken into account the need to preserve our quality of life. The Wisconsin Way will use public conversation to achieve equitable reform that promotes excellence in public service and preserves the assets we all value in our communities.
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Q: How can I help?
A: The Wisconsin Way is growing at the grassroots level. Thousands of residents have made their voices heard so far. We need your help to continue this growth—please share the news about The Wisconsin Way with your neighbors, co-workers and friends, and invite them to attend one of the upcoming public forums. We also encourage you to reach out to local civic organizations, religious groups and prominent leaders in your community by inviting them to attend a public forum. We have several different types of materials available on our Web site, including flyers and post cards which can be sent electronically or printed for distribution.
The Wisconsin Way is growing at the grassroots level. Thousands of residents have made their voices heard so far. We need your help to continue this growth — please share the news about The Wisconsin Way and the blueprint for change with your neighbors, co-workers and friends. We also encourage you to reach out to local civic organizations, religious groups and prominent leaders in your community by engaging them in the discussion.
Q: In which cities were the first round of public forums held, and how can I access details from the forum held closest to my community?
A: Between October 2007 and January 2008, The Wisconsin Way organized public forums in 15 Wisconsin communities including: La Crosse, Wausau, Eau Claire, Appleton, Green Bay, Superior, Oshkosh, Waukesha, Janesville, Milwaukee, Poynette, Kenosha, Madison, Rhinelander and Platteville. Video coverage and written transcripts of each public forum are available on the Web site under Forum Videos and Summaries.
Q: Did the Wisconsin Way visit my community and how can I access details of the statewide public forums?
A: Between October 2007 and August 2008, The Wisconsin Way held 28 public forums in Wisconsin communities including: La Crosse, Wausau, Eau Claire, Appleton, Green Bay, Superior, Oshkosh, Waukesha, Janesville, Milwaukee, Poynette, Columbus, Kenosha, Madison, Rhinelander and Platteville. Video and audio coverage along with written transcripts of each public forum are available on the Web site under Forum Videos and Summaries.
Q: What are the benefits of registering to the Wisconsin Way Web site?
A: The benefits of being registered on our Web site include privileged access to reports, statistics and research; opportunities to share your opinions; a subscription to our electronic newsletter, which includes the most recent research, proposals, media coverage, forum information and public opinion; and most importantly a chance to participate in this unprecedented conversation to change the future of Wisconsin. Your information will remain confidential and will not be shared.
Q: How do I register for the Wisconsin Way Web site?
A: Registration to the Wisconsin Way Web site is free of charge and requires a valid e-mail address, first and last name, and city of residence. Please click Sign on and Join the Wisconsin Way to fill out our registration form. As soon as your registration is complete, you will have full access to materials and research on the site. For future visits to the site, registrants can log in with their e-mail address.
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