League of Women Voters of Wisconsin pleased by increase support for public transit in Governor’s budget proposal
The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin is generally pleased by the increased support for public transit proposed in Governor Evers’ executive budget.
“Although we hoped for a greater investment in transit and transportation aids, this is a good start in the right direction, with increases in both revenue and spending for public transit and local roads, and a minimum of additional expense for building new highways,” said Erin Grunze, executive director.
Specifically, the League recommends:
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Increase in General Transit Aids by 10 percent per year, or $11 million annually;
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Creation of transit capital assistance program of $10 million in the second year of the biennium;
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Increase of 10 percent for paratransit aids;
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Increase of $6 million for specialized transportation services that serve seniors and individuals with disabilities;
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Increase of 10 percent for General Transportation Aids to maintain county and municipal roads;
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Increase Local Road Improvement Program by $1.9 million, or about 4 percent, over the biennium
The League also supports a measure that would restore the flexibility of local governments in labor negotiations and their ability to use eminent domain authority for bike and pedestrian paths.
Of course, any increase in spending should be linked to a responsible source of funding. The League supports the measures proposed in the executive budget to raise revenue for transportation in Wisconsin, including the first increase in the gas tax since 2006, an increase in the heavy vehicle registration fee and an increase in the title fee.
“A good state budget needs plenty of public input in order to meet the needs of our citizens. We encourage all Wisconsin residents to communicate with their representatives in the State Senate and Assembly about budgetary matters that affect their daily lives,” Grunze added.
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The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin is a nonpartisan political organization that advocates for informed and active participation in government. There are 20 local Leagues throughout Wisconsin. More information at lwvwi.org. The League is following the budget negotiations closely as the Governor’s proposal makes its way through the state legislature. You can find the League’s commentary on our website (https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/articles).
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 3, 2019
Contact: Erin Grunze, Executive Director, 608-256-0827; egrunze [at] lwvwi.org
