Wisconsin Residents In Poverty!!! (Milwaukee, Madison: real estate, home, schools)

[miltownman]

I've lived in the central city of milwaukee the last 25 years and have spent my whole life in Milw. county- and no, I don't know what you mean about why we should all know why people in milwaukee live in poverty, unless that is a veiled racist statement - in which case, hey, you're on the internet, let your hate flag fly.

I to want out. But not because of the taxes. The fact is that everywhere in the state except Milw. you could argue that high taxes got exactly what was intended - good schools, good infrastructure (required, by the way, for business development) and the test scores and every other objective measure reflect it. It is a sad truth that property values around lakes have shot up faster than retired people can keep up with them, but that is almost an unintended consequence of success. I mean, if you want the public services they deliver in low tax states in the south go for it - but if you want to get into an argument about results of taxation, don't compare apples and oranges.

The problem in Milwaukee is not only taxes and benefits to governement workers, that may be the smallest part of the problem. the fact is that milwaukeans for years did not object to the taxation because we got clean government, well planned development, excellent public services, quality parks, etc. in return.

Up until about 5-10 years ago, I would have argued that except for the weather, Milw. was one of the better big cities to be in, and WI was one of the better states.

But we have badly bungled Milwaukee. And race is why - but not becaue those of us in Milw who are not white deserve it because of their own qualities, but because of an ingrained, institutionalized, strangulation of milwaukee by the power structure that has no relocated to the suburbs and outstate. In the name of welfare reform, we have decimated the poor while paying even more for the program so that middle managers of the private sector managing the programs can get bonuses for cutting people off. We slash and burn public schools while promoting the farce of "choice" schools. We privatize and spin off services that were long done ethically and efficiently so private sector consultants can build themselves mansions in Mequon.

So yes, flee Milwaukee. I will. But it's not the whole state, and its not the victims stuck here who are in their 4th and 5th generation of living hell with no hope - but if you can smuggly think thats the case, I can only wonder what living in your neighborhood might be like - clearly the golden rule won't apply there either.

In other words, I want out because of the institutionalized and personal racism that has allowed the politicians and the businessmen to use our city like a punching bag to advance thier own narrow agendas of self interest.

But Madison is still routinely ranked as one of the best places to live in the US, so taxes and government can't all be bad.

[patntrisha]

we also had an option to move to Reno and the home prices there are sick!!! the taxes are about the same as WI but we saw $200,000 for a 900 sq. ft. house....it was sad.

[h90943]

I live in Arlington, Virginia and pay about $8,000/yr in property taxes on a 3800 sq ft house. I enjoy Wisconsin alot and am writing this from Green Bay. When the educational system benefits from the taxes we all win.

I strongly feel that our taxes in Arlington are too high, but we do have excellent schools. Our County Manager propsed at budget and the "progressive" and all Democratic council approved a budget of 10% higher. Holy ****, my wallet feels lighter. So don't sweat your taxes.

Steve

By the way does anyone know of a Carol Lotzer that used to live in Neenah and worked for Lands End ? I would love to hear from her again.

[Bigfamilyof6]

Well, I am the one who posted the original message. Have not been on for a while with the kids just starting back at school and all. Sounds like we have alot of people that have different opinions and that is Great! That is what makes for a great discussion. I am not trying to attack anyone so I hope no one took it that way. My husband and I were watching the 10 O'clock news one night a couple weeks back and those numbers are what they had up on the screen on channel 13 news on NBC. So you can argue them with the Media, they are not just some random numbers I made up. The US Census just put out all the numbers for 2005 in August. Do a google search and look all the info up for yourself.

And you can argue the high taxes are justified through our school systems but save it for someone who believes it. No offense but I have 2 out of 4 children in public school here in Wisconsin and next year another one is suppose to start. I have to say I had better schools in Littleton Colorado growing up. Needless to say the public schools are so great that my husband and I will begin homeschooling next year. So what does that tell you. We have Huge homeschooling groups all around us. Once again what does that tell you. So explain to me again if our public schools are really all that good why so many residents in Wisconsin choose to homeschool their children? And if our tax dollars are not helping our schools then where else is all of our hard earned money going? You can attack me all you want but if everything I am saying is false then why do so many other people in communities throughout the state feel the same way as we do? And the good jobs....I would like to hear more on that! We even had a politician running for office stating the fact that we are losing all of our children to Illinois because once the kids are graduating they cannot get jobs that pay them well enough for them to even live on their own. I have been in the Customer service area most of my adult life and I went from getting paid $13.50/hour in Minnesota to I come over here and they are willing to give me $7.50/hour. No thank you. So I started my own business and now work from home. Show me where the good jobs are. Because I am not the only one confused on where they are hiding. I understand that you all are natives of Wisconsin and you are proud to live here. I can respect that but you have to see the truth for what it is. Acting like these problems do not exist will not make them go away. There is my 2 cents take it or leave it. God Bless.

[dreamhunter65]

Find good Jobs in S.C. then...Home school if you want if that makes you think your child will get a better education. I know alot who homeschool so they can have help at home on the farms and such.Now those kids do not get a regular diploma as go get a GED..How many great jobs they going to find with that? If Wisconsin is so bad, how come so many from bigger cities want to move in? You take the good and the bad together.You find some place that taxes are low with the best education possible and best wages with clean air and water, no crime or drugs, then come back and tell us about it so we can all move there and be 100% Happy.

[spoiledmama]

Can anyone enlighten me about Neenah/Appleton area? Good for kids?

[B'Goshboy]

Originally Posted by spoiledmama

Can anyone enlighten me about Neenah/Appleton area? Good for kids?

Why don't you post a new thread, this one is getting hijacked a bit.

[justme2]

As for living in Wisconsin - I absolutely love it!!! I enjoy the four seasons and what nature here has to offer. Jobs are OK - depending on where you live. There does seem to be plenty of jobs out there, maybe not always ones that make you rich. Housing seems normal here as to what others have told me from other areas. Property Taxes - another story...I think they are awful. Yet, with some of the examples given for taxes in other states I can't imagine that these extremely low rates could be good either. I just think that ours need to be looked into more.
As for home schooling - I have to say that in most cases I completely disagree with it. How many parents out there are qualified to teach all age levels appropriately. Also, you have the issue of interacting with others. Just not something that I agree with, not that it matters I guess. Also, do you realize what it cost these school districts when parents choose to home school their children. The school is losing out on funds per each child that is not there. I believe that this can be a real snowball effect. Also, one question for Bigfamilyof6 - how do you plan to work from home and provide a quality education for three of your children next year. I would almost think that you must have superhuman powers!!

[azloafer]

B'Goshboy,
"Wisconsin has good roads, great schools, and great libraries."

I agree with great schools and good roads, but should a person decide where to live based on libraries?

[pioneer8]

Originally Posted by justme2

As for living in Wisconsin - I absolutely love it!!! I enjoy the four seasons and what nature here has to offer. Jobs are OK - depending on where you live. There does seem to be plenty of jobs out there, maybe not always ones that make you rich. Housing seems normal here as to what others have told me from other areas. Property Taxes - another story...I think they are awful. Yet, with some of the examples given for taxes in other states I can't imagine that these extremely low rates could be good either. I just think that ours need to be looked into more.
As for home schooling - I have to say that in most cases I completely disagree with it. How many parents out there are qualified to teach all age levels appropriately. Also, you have the issue of interacting with others. Just not something that I agree with, not that it matters I guess. Also, do you realize what it cost these school districts when parents choose to home school their children. The school is losing out on funds per each child that is not there. I believe that this can be a real snowball effect. Also, one question for Bigfamilyof6 - how do you plan to work from home and provide a quality education for three of your children next year. I would almost think that you must have superhuman powers!!

Four season's sounds so wonderful. Have you always lived there in Wisconsin? You mentioned housing costs based on what others have told you. I am just curious because we are looking to (possibly) relocate there and need all the info we can get. It sounds like you really like it there. Also, I certainly respect your feelings on public verses home education, however I think your information is somewhat incomplete. Interacting with others is a non-issue for most homeschool families- Many often have to scale back their group involvement. I see your point about the public school losing funds, but homeschoolers willingly pay taxes that fund the public school system. They know that a good education for all is of utmost importance to society and the future.
No, I don't think Bigfamilyofsix has to be Superwoman. She sounds to me like a strong determined woman who loves her children. This is the basic formula for successful home education program. Any help she may need along the way is simple to find and in abundance. Universities are not only accepting hometaught children, they are seeking them out. These kids are self-directed and independent learners and are scoring high on SATs etc... It 's so very wonderful to live in a country that allows parents the freedom to choose the best educational option for their own children. I hope you are not offended- that was not my intention.