A Republican lawmaker from Appleton will try to close the so-called “dark store loophole” again.
Senate President Roger Roth is looking for co-sponsors for a bill. The loophole lets big-box retailers claim their property tax assessments should be similar to a closed store. Local governments argue that’s shifting more of the tax burden onto homeowners and small businesses.
There were advisory referendum questions on the issue last November in Winnebago, Outagamie, and Brown counties. Three out of four voters supported closing it.
Roth believes that sends a message. He says it builds the momentum necessary to pass the bill.
There wasn’t enough Republican support for the bills last year.
