So, a freind of mine had a ramble about referendum’s that were passed where he lived and how he can;t believe in the 5 years he’s lived in his house his taxes have gone up 34%.  Well, we do live in Wisconsin.  Check this out.

That link is to a survey of the overall tax burden by state.  Wisconsin is tied with Rhode Island for #4 worst tax burden in the country.  The Republicans in the crowd will of course state that’s because we have a Democrat in the Governor’s mansion in Madison.  Well, we had a Republican for 16 years and when they left we were sitting at #2 on that list.  So, I don’t care who you are, you’re taking my money and blaming it on someone else.

I’ve also heard the argument that it’s because of the great schools in Wisconsin.  You see, property taxes in Wisconsin are supposed to help fund the public schools and University’s.  I used to accept that argument until I look at other states that have great public schools (and I’ll keep it to the midwest for a more “like” comparison).  Minnesota sits at 10.  Michigan sits at 22.  And Iowa sits at 25!  Iowa and Wisconsin routinely test out with the highest scores along standardized test.  Yet, they manage to remain below the national tax burden average, while we try to see how high we can make that average go.

Don’t get me wrong, I like the fact that my kids can get a great education without going to a private school.  But, if Iowa can do it on less taxes, why can’t we?  And the best part, is when the kids from the public schools come by doing fund raisers by selling magazines and things to pay for normal operating expenses of the school.  I’m not talking about the high school band trip or something like that.  I’m talking about books and things.  Did I metion my town just approved $60 million to renovate our 2 high schools?  So, I’ve got to agree with my friend.  Enough with the taxes already.