La Crosse’s ‘resort tax’ not dead yet in Madison, but has yet to have hearing

While a proposed special sales tax for La Crosse County might not be dead yet, it certainly appears to be clinging to life.

The premier resort area tax (PRAT) is a half-percent sales tax on most consumer goods that would go towards infrastructure improvements in the county. Largely, roads.

The state legislature has to approve PRAT before the issue comes to the county board and county voters in a binding referendum.

The problem is, the PRAT bill hasn’t been scheduled for even a hearing in Madison. And, it was introduced two months ago by Onalaska Assemblyman Steve Doyle and fellow Democrat and La Crosse state Senator Jennifer Shilling.

WIZM was told there might be just a four to five more days in the current legislative session so the clock is ticking.

Several business groups have opposed the tax.