MacIver News Service | June 14, 2017
[Cuba City, Wisc…] When voters reject a school district referendum, oftentimes the district simply tries again – and again – and again – until voters finally relent.So far this year there have been 70 referenda across the state, and 15 of them were repeats, and 7 of those passed on the latest attempt. Some state lawmakers believe voters are getting railroaded in this process and want to do something about it.
Sen. Duey Stroebel (R-Saukville) has introduced 8 separate bills aimed at reining in referenda abuses. They would limit how when a referendum could be authorized and scheduled, require recurring referenda to be reauthorized every 5 years, and reduce a district’s state aid based on increased revenue from successful referenda. Needless to say, school officials aren’t happy about the package.
MNS’ Bill Osmulski has more.