MADISON, WI – Senator Mark Miller (D-Monona) offered the weekly Democratic radio address today.

The audio file of this week’s address can be found here:

http://media2.legis.wisconsin.gov/multimedia/Sen16/senatormillerradio113017.mp3

A written transcript of the address is below:

“Hello, this is State Senator Mark Miller with this weeks, Democratic Radio Address:

“Something is happening all across the state of Wisconsin that many people are unaware of, but may dramatically raise your property taxes!

“I’m talking about the Dark Store Issue. A state Supreme Court decision in 2008 allowed large Big Box Stores and large chain stores, like Walgreens, to successfully challenge their property tax bills, by claiming that their stores should be assessed the same as similar, VACANT stores – or Dark Stores.

“This is happening in every part of the state.

“Both Democrats and Republicans believe this is grossly unfair to local property taxpayers, since the dramatic reduction in property taxes that would be paid by Big Box stores, will result in a huge increase in property taxes for homeowners and other business OR a reduction in municipal services.

“Fortunately, there is legislation introduced by Democrats AND Republicans to protect homeowners and small businesses from these huge property tax increases.

“Big Box stores should pay their property taxes, just like other property owners.

“Unfortunately, the powerful special interest lobbying group, the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce opposes protecting homeowners. The Senate Republican Leadership is cow-towing to the special interest group and is blocking this legislation to protect property taxpayers. If the Dark Store legislation came up for a vote by the full State Senate, it will pass.

“Tell your senator that you want to be protected from Dark Store homeowner property tax increases.

“The Dark Store bills to protect homeowners must be scheduled for a vote now!”