Continuing Shared Revenue
With the passage of Act 12 in the previous session, county and municipal aid now increases each year based on the percentage changes in state sales and use tax revenues. Municipalities in the district received a 2.3% increase in funding for local government in 2025 and will receive a 3.4% increase in 2026. For example, there is a $73,000 increase in the City of Oconto, $33,000 for the City of Oconto Falls, $60,000 for the Village of Howard, and $25,000 for the Village of Suamico over the biennium.
The budget as a whole updated the transfer to the local government fund to be $1.59B in 2025-26 and $1.6B in 2026-27. This increases the funding available for county and municipal aid by $60.83 million, and increases the funding available as supplemental county and municipal aid by $22.2 million. Moreover, the budget includes grants to encourage local government innovation and $3M for grant writing and compliance assistance for local governments.
The new formula for local funding ensures local governments benefit when the state economy grows. It also provides predictable annual growth in shared revenue, allowing local governments to plan budgets with greater confidence, an improvement from past years when aid levels were frozen or inconsistent. Funding for every municipality, large and small, is key to ensuring every citizen has quality services they can rely on.
Movement on Green Bay Correctional Institution
The State Building Commission voted this week to release $15 million for the future planning of Wisconsin’s prisons. The closure of GBCI has been a top priority of mine since taking office, and with the release of state funds to plan the future of Wisconsin’s prison system, we are one step closer to closing GBCI.
This overcrowded facility, with its crumbling infrastructure, has resulted in inhumane conditions and years of financial strain on Wisconsin taxpayers. I am encouraged by the action of the State Building Commission and will continue working with my colleagues in the legislature to close GBCI.
Late Autumn Occasions
Today I wish you all a Happy Halloween! To everyone in the 4th Assembly District, I hope you are able to enjoy the holiday with friends, family, and neighbors. I encourage you all to keep your communities safe and enjoy the late Autumn festivities.
This Sunday marks the termination of Daylight Saving Time. Remember to turn the clocks back an hour before you go to sleep and enjoy the extra hour of rest.
Follow Along on Facebook
Want to hear more about what’s going on in Madison and the district? Follow my Facebook page for weekly updates and to learn more about bills, events, and efforts I’m involved in. Find my Facebook page here: facebook.com/RepSteffen/.
Contact Me
My office is always available to help with any state-related questions or concerns you may have. You can reach my office at (608) 237-9104, or email me at Rep.Steffen@legis.wisconsin.
