This Modern World

On the policy front the main issue appears to be the fact that Milwaukee County has been saddled with a structural deficit that forces significant budget cuts every year. What can be done about this seemingly intractable problem?

The budget continues to be an incredible challenge year after year. Balancing the last nine county budgets has required a cumulative cut of $280 million. And the cost of state-mandated services continues to grow as shared revenue remains stagnant. Without additional revenue we will have no local funds to invest in local priorities by 2027.

This is why we continue to advocate at the state level for the ability to generate local revenue to properly invest in the services we all enjoy. An additional .5% sales tax would generate around $80 million annually. This is money that can be spent on the backlog of deferred maintenance in our parks or bringing back the many bus routes we’ve had to cut over the years. Our ability to invest in these priorities enables the entire region to remain competitive.

Is there anything you want to add that I didn’t bring up?

Public service is a sacrifice and as a young leader in this community, it has been an honor to serve and give back to Milwaukee. While I love and thrive on this work, I also have many hobbies and interests. I am a baker, a plant mom, a painter, and I love to travel in my free time. When I am in my community, I like to show up genuinely and authentically, and when I inevitably end my tenure on the board, I want people to know that our humanity means more than a title to me. Like your readers, I want the best for Milwaukee and every resident that lives here.

Louis Fortis is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the Shepherd Express.