Jill Billings on big money in politics, data center tax breaks and school funding

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Three donors are funding most of the campaign for Tom Tiffany’s run for Wisconsin governor.

Wisconsin state Rep. Jill Billings (D-La Crosse) stopped in studio and talked about getting big money out of our elections.

We also discussed the timing of a bill to eliminate tax breaks for data center construction, given that the Legislature hasn’t been in session since March — even though Republicans, who control the Legislature, could call lawmakers back to pass it.

We opened the show talking about the Brewers, how the Legislature helped fund stadium upgrades as part of a shared revenue deal with municipalities, and why La Crosse and other local governments could use a new deal as costs rise without enough state funding to keep up.

Billings is running for reelection in District 95 and again facing Republican Cedric Schnitzler.

  • Can Wisconsin rein in campaign spending? Billings backs a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow limits on campaign spending. What would it take to get it passed?
  • Data center subsidies under fire: Republicans are proposing to eliminate tax breaks for data centers after previously approving them. Billings explains why she opposed the subsidies and questions whether anything will happen before the election.
  • Why are property taxes going up? Billings says Wisconsin needs to change its school funding formula. Could the state's budget surplus help?
  • Local budgets under pressure: La Crosse is considering using reserve funds to cover a budget shortfall. Billings talks about the challenges facing cities and smaller communities across Wisconsin.
  • Keeping young people here: Billings points to UW-La Crosse and Viterbo as part of the solution. What else could Wisconsin do to attract and retain workers?
  • What could lawmakers tackle next? With the Legislature out of session, we talk about a possible lame-duck session and Billings' priorities if she's re-elected.
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