Was Madison Singled Out for Punishment in State Budget?
Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Homes Jr. famously said, “Taxes are what we pay for civilized society.” But who pays and how much has been debated ever thus.
When you buy anything from a cup of coffee to a car in Madison, you’re paying sales tax. That money is collected by local shops and sent to the state of Wisconsin. Every two years, the state decides how much of that money to share with the communities where it was collected. Same goes for the income tax you pay every year.
But cities say that state money is not keeping up with inflation. Costs are going up, but the money to pay for them isn’t. Madison’s got some unpopular choices: ask voters to pay higher property taxes or cut back city services. And when the state’s sitting on a surplus, it’s a hard pill to swallow.
Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes Conway tells Dylan Brogan what’s ahead.
Also on the episode:
🏠 The new westside ReStore opens on Odana Road on Friday!
Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram!
Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.
Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Latest Episodes
‘Blockbuster’ State Spending Deal Dies, Madison Home Prices Keep Rising, and Nuclear at Oscar Mayer?
State lawmakers put together a bi-partisan spending package this week that would have sent much needed funding to Wisconsin schools as we...
Hot Grilling Tips From a Madison Butcher
Memorial Day is right around the corner, which means it’s grilling season! Whether you’re heading to a cookout or barbecuing at home, we...
How 3 Madison Moms Became National Mental Health Pioneers
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The National Alliance on Mental Illness takes this month as a chance to stand in community, recogni...
Ikea Is Coming! Plus Cap Times Unionizes and Grads Flood the Isthmus
Soon Madisonians won't have to drive for an hour to get some Swedish meatballs. That’s right, Ikea is coming to town! The opening date an...
Why Is Madison So Obsessed With Brandi Grayson?
Brandi Grayson isn’t one to shy away from conflict. She gained notoriety as a leader of Madison’s Black Lives Matter movement and is now...
'Your City Could Be Better': Philly's Bold Nightlife Experiment — Presented By City Cast Madison
Madisonians, would your city be better if the bars stayed open later? This summer, Philadelphia is anticipating a record-breaking number...
Center for Black Excellence and Culture Opens, Plus Park Street & Gov's Race Updates
On Wednesday, the long-awaited Center for Black Excellence and Culture opened to the public. The 37,000-square-foot building on West Badg...
What Makes a True Wisconsin Supper Club
Supper clubs and Wisconsin go together like fried walleye and beer. It’s a classic pairing, and for good reason. Whether you’re new to Ma...
Why Madison Is the Capital City of Ultimate Frisbee
Have you ever wondered about all those sporty folks who gather to throw frisbees on fields across Madison? They are probably ultimate pla...
Wisco Birder’s Tips for Making the Most of Spring Migration
Did you know that nearly a million birds flew over Madison last night? Warblers, orioles, thrushes, and so many more bird species are mig...