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71% of Wisconsin business owners surveyed by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce saw their commercial property tax bill rise over the past year, against just 1% who saw a decrease, per the group's Winter 2026 biannual survey of 200 business leaders.
That imbalance arrived alongside the business lobby's public relief at the Democratic gubernatorial primary result: state Rep.
Francesca Hong, a Democratic Socialists of America member who had polled ahead, lost the nomination to Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley by a razor-thin margin. WMC president and CEO Kurt Bauer was direct.
Citing the historical record of socialist economies as his frame, he said Wisconsin had "dodged a bullet." He added a qualifier: Crowley's stated policy positions still represent a concern for the business community on taxes and healthcare, even if the county executive is somewhat better on certain issues than Hong.
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