Wisconsin. Department of Local Affairs and Development. Office of Research and Policy Analysis: Wallace Commission and Knowles Commission Files, 1976-1977


Summary Information
Title: Wisconsin. Department of Local Affairs and Development. Office of Research and Policy Analysis: Wallace Commission and Knowles Commission Files
Inclusive Dates: 1976-1977

Creator:
  • Wisconsin. Department of Local Affairs and Development. Office of Research and Policy Analysis
Call Number: Series 2669

Quantity: 0.8 c.f. (2 archives boxes)

Repository:
Archival Locations:
Wisconsin Historical Society (Map)

Abstract:
Knowles Commission records contain meeting minutes, memoranda and correspondence, and working papers. Wallace Commission records include meeting minutes, public hearing transcripts and testimony, correspondence and press coverage, and the commission's final recommendations.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-ser02669
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Biography/History

The Governor's Commission on State-Local Relations and Financing Policy was named the “Wallace Commission” after chairman Harry L. Wallace. The commission was created by executive order on October 17, 1975 and was directed to evaluate the relationship between state and local government in Wisconsin and the system of providing and financing public services. The commission's report, published January 1977, made recommendations on education, health, and transportation services, organization of local government, state and local revenue sources, and local growth and development. The Wallace Commission found that the problems encountered by local governments relate substantially to changing technology, population patterns, environmental concerns, and local demands for governmental services and concluded that a flexible system for delivering services was necessary to respond to the problems.

The Governor's Blue Ribbon Tax Reform Commission was created by Executive Order 52, and was known as the “Knowles Commission,” as it was chaired by Sate Senator Robert P. Knowles. Staffed by the Department of Revenue's Research Division, the commission's mission was to carry out a complete reexamination of Wisconsin's personal and corporate income tax, sales tax, inheritance tax, and property tax, and to offer recommendations for improvements.

Related Material

Wallace Commission working papers and background papers, as well as commission reports, are located in the State Historical Society Library.

Contents List
Knowles Commission
Box   1
Folder   1
Minutes and Memoranda
Box   1
Folder   2
Working Papers
Wallace Commission
Box   1
Folder   3
Correspondence and Press
Public Hearings
Box   1
Folder   4
Summary
Box   1
Folder   5
Platteville
Box   1
Folder   6
Green Bay
Box   1
Folder   7
Wausau
Box   1
Folder   8
Milwaukee
Box   1
Folder   9
Eau Claire
Box   2
Folder   1
Janesville
Box   2
Folder   2
Superior
Box   2
Folder   3
La Crosse
Box   2
Folder   4
Regional Meetings on Local Government Services
Box   2
Folder   5
Steering Commission Minutes
Box   2
Folder   6
Commission of State and Local Relations Minutes
Box   2
Folder   7
Recommendation