Legislation for PRAT, or .5% sales tax in La Crosse County, introduced in Madison

If approved, PRAT would still need OK by county board and voters. 

A major step has been taken for a plan to increase the sales tax for some businesses in La Crosse County.

Legislation has been introduced in Madison to OK the Premiere Resort Area Tax (PRAT) in the county.

County board chair Tara Johnson said Thursday afternoon on WIZM that money from that .5 percent tax is needed more than ever.

“Especially now that the budet has passed and we know, again, that the state did not do their job to present a long-term transportation funding solution,” Johnson said.

If approved, the PRAT would still need the OK by the county board and voters in a referendum, though some have said it is unlikely to pass the legislature.

“It would be disrespectful of any elected legislature to turn their back on voters, who went to the polls and said, ‘We want to pursue a Premier Resort Area Tax.'” Johnson said of the April advisory referendum.

The PRAT would cover most business in the county. Here’s a list:

De​partment Stores
Miscellaneous Food Stores
Men’s and Boys’ Clothing and Accessory Stores
Women’s Clothing Stores
Women’s Accessory and Specialty Stores
Children’s and Infants’ Wear Stores
Family Clothing Stores
Shoe Stores
Miscellaneous Apparel and Accessory Stores
Bookstores
Stationery Stores
Jewelry Stores
Hobby, Toy, and Game Shops
Luggage and Leather Goods Stores
Sewing, Needlework, and Piece Goods Stores
Florists
Tobacco Stores and Stands
News Dealers and Newsstands
Miscellaneous Retail Stores
Theatrical Producers (Except Motion Picture) and Miscellaneous Theatrical Services
Bands, Orchestras, Actors, and Other Entertainers and Entertainment Groups
Physical Fitness Facilities
Membership Sports and Recreation Clubs

Variety Stores
Miscellaneous General Merchandise Stores
Candy, Nut, and Confectionary Stores
Dairy Product Stores
Retail Bakeries
Gasoline Service Stations
Eating Places
Drinking Places
Drug Stores and Proprietary Stores
Liquor Stores
Sporting Goods Stores and Bicycle Shops
Camera and Photographic Supply Stores
Gift, Novelty, and Souvenir Shops
Hotels and Motels
Sporting and Recreational Camps
Recreational Vehicle Parks and Campsites
Racing, Including Track Operation
Public Golf Courses
Coin-Operated Amusement Devices
Amusement Parks
Amusement and Recreation Services, Not Elsewhere Classified