The FFRF is challenging the constitutionality of the two groups' student housing property tax exemption status under Wisconsin law, arguing that the tax exemption status infringes on four sections of the Wisconsin Constitution. These sections specifically require equal taxation and forbid preferences for religious institutions, arbitrary classifications and private bills that benefit specific entities.
Scott Walker vetoed the measure. In , the Legislature passed an amendment that gave the Lumen House Apartments a status similar to that of the Pres House Apartments. The FFRF is asking the court to issue a declaratory judgment to declare that the property tax exemption violates the Wisconsin Constitution and a permanent injunction to prevent the city of Madison from applying these tax exemptions. Erica Liu told The Daily Cardinal their exemption status does not violate the state constitution.
The residents named in the suit argue the exemption shifts the tax burden to other property owners, like themselves, while excluding secular nonprofits from eligibility.
In addition to the two defendants in the suit, the city of Madison was also named as a defendant for their responsibility in assessing property tax and applying the specific tax exemption. Jake Wesson is a staff writer and photographer for The Daily Cardinal. He has written stories covering politics, protests, public safety and more. Skip to Content , Navigation , or Footer.
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