Shared revenue, EMS top list of concerns at SW Wisconsin listening session

Emergency services, infrastructure projects and state funding for communities topped the list of resident priorities at a listening session held Monday by two southwest Wisconsin lawmakers. Around 35 people joined state Rep. Travis Tranel, and state Senator Howard Marklein, in Lancaster. It was the fourth such session Marklein has held in his district since the Wisconsin State Legislature began its session two weeks ago. Representatives from several local communities used the event to renew pleas for an increase in shared revenue — the funding the state allocates to provide local government services — citing stagnating or declining funding over the past 10 years. Lancaster Mayor Stuart Harper said the issue has caused his city to make cuts to services and projects, such as certain street improvements or equipment purchases for the local fire department.