Milwaukee voters approve $87 million MPS referendum
Milwaukee voters overwhelmingly approved an $87 million referendum to support their public schools, according to election results Monday.
The referendum, the first for Milwaukee Public Schools in more than two decades, passed with about 78% of the vote in a chaotic — and historic — election conducted during a global pandemic that dramatically curtailed in-person turnout.
It represents a lifeline for the state’s largest and arguably poorest school district, which the Wisconsin Policy Forum has said faced an uncertain future without painful cuts and a significant infusion of cash from the state or local property taxpayers.
Related: Is the MPS Tax & Spending Increase Referendum Good for Milwaukee?
We (voters in #MKE) just gave Milwaukee Public Schools $87 million annually…forever.
“no MPS employee is required to work during the shutdown.”
“pay at their rate on the regular schedule.”
How are our children, #Milwaukee? https://t.co/ohG7UktCfH
— Shaun Luehring (@shaunluehring) April 14, 2020