Lawmakers finally work together to help WI cities

Two important things happened in Madison yesterday. Governor Tony Evers signed into law a new funding formula for municipalities which will deliver more state aid to communities across the state. The other important thing is that democrats and republicans compromised to get the deal done. The increase in state aid to local communities like La Crosse is generational. Municipalities have clamored for years for more state funding. This new law provides that in spades. Every community in Wisconsin will see at least a 20% increase in state aid, to help pay for things like police and fire protection, and fixing our roads. Some communities will see much more state help. Onalaska will see a 90% increase in the amount of shared revenue it gets from the state. Some smaller towns in the area, like Hamilton and Medary, will see increases of over 200%. This deal only came together because both political parties got something they wanted, but also had to give up something.  The bill includes more money for private voucher schools, which Governor Evers was against, but went along with to get the deal done. Republican legislative leaders reluctantly agreed to more funding for public schools. Neither side got everything they wanted, but both got some through negotiation, collaboration and compromise, in order to benefit all corners of the state.