Due to ongoing efforts of legislators in Madison, Wisconsin, and a team of lobbyists, OHI — a national association representing RV park, campground and glamping businesses in Wisconsin and across the country — announced the official introduction of a bill supporting a legislative fix that will be a win for the seasonal camping consumer, and a win for all privately-owned campground small businesses in Wisconsin.
This action, officially introduced by Rep. Kevin Petersen and Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara to clarify existing legislation, is what the Wisconsin state legislature intended in the repeal of the personal property tax starting in 2024 and will ensure a seasonal camper’s personal property located within a licensed campground is treated the same as any other personal property that became permanently exempted from property taxation with the passage of Act 12. You can read the text of the bill here.
OHI said it is asking all Wisconsin campground owners/operators and their campers to take action today in support of this issue.
OHI has created two letters on its Advocacy Action Center: one specifically for Wisconsin campground owners/operators (which can also be shared with staff), and a second letter customized specifically for seasonal campers; and is asking campground owners/operators to take two specific grassroots actions in support of this action:
- Submit a personal letter on behalf of your business (this link can be shared with your staff as well): https://www.votervoice.net/OHI/Campaigns/128761/Respond
- Email this link to all your seasonal campers so they can submit a personal letter as well: https://www.votervoice.net/OHI/Campaigns/128762/Respond
“Our persistence has shown results, but the fight for campground owners continues. OHI has been focused on this fix from the beginning when Jim Button, chair of OHI’s board of directors and owner of Evergreen Campsites in Wild Rose, Wisconsin, first raised it at the local level,” said David Basler, CSO and SVP of Government Affairs for OHI. “Once this action is taken, it will translate to substantial tax savings for campgrounds and seasonal campers in Wisconsin.”
“The strength of our industry comes from standing united. WACO is committed to advancing this legislation, which includes the state’s input presented by OHI, because we know it will bring real relief and stability to campground owners across Wisconsin,” Scott Kollock, WACO board president, said.
If you have any questions about the bill or this grassroots campaign, email ohi-advocacy@ohi.org.
