Contact: Jeff Fleming, 414-286-8580

For release: Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Statement from Mayor Cavalier Johnson on the Sales Tax Action by the Milwaukee Common Council

“I applaud today’s vote by the Milwaukee Common Council to enact a 2% city sales tax.  In taking this action, the Council has protected Milwaukee and its residents from unimaginable cuts to library and public safety services.

“We have reached a turning point in the history of Milwaukee’s municipal finances.  This is certainly the most significant change in how city services are funded in more than a century.

“I thank the Milwaukee Common Council members who supported this ordinance change.  In particular, I offer my appreciation to Council President José Pérez who joined me on multiple occasions, in both public and private discussions with elected officials, as this state legislation was crafted. In addition, I want to thank every member of the Common Council that considered this difficult generational opportunity.  

“With the new revenue, Milwaukee will be positioned to improve emergency service response times. We will also be able to continue the innovative work of the Milwaukee Public Library.

“I anticipate signing the sales tax ordinance, file number 230357, in the coming days.”