From Jon Aleckson

Republican Candidate for Wisconsin Assembly District 50

To the Editor:

Wisconsin seniors have earned the right to live out their years in the homes they worked a lifetime to own. Yet today, skyrocketing property taxes are threatening to force many of them out. As the Republican candidate for Wisconsin’s 50th Assembly District, I am calling for a bold, two-track solution to give our seniors the relief and security they deserve.

Property taxes in Wisconsin are rising faster than seniors’ fixed incomes. Last December, the state experienced its largest school property tax increase in over 30 years. Combined with soaring home assessments, many seniors on Social Security are facing tax hikes of 8—12% while their income rises only 2—3%. The current Homestead Credit offers a maximum of just $1,168 per year — and only for households earning less than $24,680. That simply isn’t enough for many retirees who are struggling to stay in their homes right here in Green County and Southwestern Dane County.

That is why I am proposing immediate relief and a permanent, constitutionally sound solution. If elected, I will fight in the Legislature to double the Homestead Credit for seniors aged 70 and older from the current $1,168.00 and I would vote to change the income eligibility threshold from $24,680 to $50,000, indexed to inflation.

This change requires no constitutional amendment and can deliver meaningful help this year. For the long term, the only durable fix is a constitutional amendment to Wisconsin’s Uniformity Clause. This would allow a permanent freeze on the assessed value of a senior’s primary residence for homeowners age 70 and older who have lived in their home for at least five years. Seventeen other states, including Illinois, already provide this protection. Wisconsin should too. The amendment process — passage by two consecutive legislatures followed by a statewide voter referendum — ensures it is legally strong and democratically supported. I am committed to doing this the right way so the protection lasts. Our seniors built this state. They deserve dignity and stability in their later years — not a choice between paying unaffordable taxes or losing their homes. I urge my fellow citizens to join me in this fight. Together, we can protect Wisconsin seniors and keep our communities strong.