Statement from Mayor Soglin Regarding Joint Finance Action on Room Tax

I am deeply concerned with the state legislature taking tax money raised by local governments from Beloit to Ashland and requiring it be given to a private industry. If it wants to give the money to a small segment of the private sector, the legislature should raise and collect the tax itself. Frankly, this legislation is unnecessary. The city has already committed to increasing the share of the room tax going to the Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau by 50% over the next five years. Finally, depending upon its application, this legislation could reduce our revenues for city services by at least $1 million in 2016.