Dear Neighbors,

I received an overwhelming number of emails in opposition to the newly adopted $40 wheel tax. I voted against this tax in the interest of the residents of District 12. It is important for you to have key information as to why District 12 will be negatively impacted by the $40 wheel tax. 

Here is data I downloaded from the City of Madison Neighborhood Indicator website (madison.apl.wisc.edu):

• The median household income of District 12 residents is $43,883. 
• The median household income of Madison residents is $71,301.
• There are 236 family households living in poverty in District 12 (this data does not include mobile/manufactured homes on Packers Avenue).
• Unemployment in District 12 is 6.45%.
• Unemployment in Madison is 4.1%.
• Households with access to a vehicle in District 12 is 88.75%.

If we review this data, we can clearly see that we are one of the lowest median household income districts in Madison. Additionally, it does not surprise me that we have almost 89% vehicle ownership in our district because our public transportation system is not as connected in our district and service is slower, as compared to other parts of Madison.

Thus, this wheel tax will have a particularly adverse social and economic impact on District 12 and will disproportionately impact low-income neighbors.

Another important thing we need to see is that this tax will generate $7.8 million a year and only $1.4 million will be used for BRT-related studies. The rest of the money will be used to sustain metro operations. 

I would like reiterate that I am not against BRT or future improvements to our metro system. My opposition is to this particular wheel tax which will have an adverse impact on our district. 

Syed Abbas can be reached at district12@cityofmadison.com.