Milwaukee County government faces immediate and substantial fiscal and programmatic challenges. The county's structural deficit - defined as the gap between expenditure needs and anticipated revenues - is projected to grow from $48 million in 2011 to more than $106 million by 2014, despite several successive years of significant expenditure and staff reductions and anticipation of significant wage and benefit concessions in 2010. This projection is the clearest indication yet that the county's finances are crumbling and that valued services in areas like parks, transit, mental health and public safety face severe degradation without prompt and concerted action. This action could take any of several forms, including the complete elimination of Milwaukee County government. This report, commissioned by the Greater Milwaukee Committee, provides detailed analysis and perspective on the complex issues surrounding that option, as well as other potential structural changes.
Throughout the United States, investments in high-quality early childhood education are seen by community leaders as a strategy for improving outcomes in areas such as K-12 education, workforce development, and economic development. Indeed, many research studies conclude that high quality early learning environments produce social, educational, and economic benefits for children and the communities in which they live. As a result, many state and local governments around the country are seeking to capture these benefits by investing in quality improvement efforts. Wisconsin is no different; the 2009-2010 state biennial budget calls for the Department of Children and Families to create a strategy for improving the quality of publicly-subsidized child care.
While policymakers increasingly are looking to maximize the benefits of high-quality early childhood education, budget realities often dictate that they do so while minimizing the expenditure of public funds. Thus, this report seeks to inform these decisions in Wisconsin by estimating the costs of achieving improved quality in child care and early learning programs in southeast Wisconsin and analyzing policy options associated with quality improvement initiatives.
At least 50% of residents in three of four metro Milwaukee counties say they are in favor of toll roads to fund transportation improvements, while an increase in the gas tax was favored by less than a quarter of residents in each county. High speed rail to Chicago and Madison is supported by majorities in three counties as well. Commuter rail was strongly supported in Milwaukee County.
The People Speak poll surveyed 433 residents of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington, and Ozaukee Counties regarding their views on the economy, issues of importance to the region, and topical public policy issues. In general, the region's residents report optimism about the direction in which their neighborhoods and municipalities are headed, yet seem open to possible governance changes such as a regional parks authority. In addition, there is some support for new revenue streams such as user fees, provided that they reduce reliance on property taxes.
Milwaukee area citizens are optimistic about their financial futures, yet a sizeable portion report having experienced financial difficulties in the past six months. The People Speak telephone survey of 433 residents of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington, and Ozaukee Counties reveals that a third of the area's citizens have had problems paying their bills at some time during the past six months. Of those experiencing such problems, however, 59% report being somewhat or very optimistic about their financial future. Among the entire survey sample, 64% were optimistic about their financial future.
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