Gov. Walker and legislative leaders divided on how to tackle $1 billion deficit.
Finding a solution for the Badger State’s ongoing road project needs—in the face of a $1 billion transportation budget deficit—is projected to be one of the most difficult legislative issues of 2017, reported the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Gov. Scott Walker has been vocal about his commitment to not increase vehicle registration fees or the gas tax unless taxes are cut elsewhere in the budget by an equal amount. Assembly Republican leaders, however, are more open to all revenue options, are creating their own plan, and began holding public hearings on the issue on Dec. 6, 2016.
Currently, Wisconsin’s road projects budget is funded by gas tax and vehicle registration fee revenue. However, fuel-efficient vehicles have become more popular and drivers are also driving less overall, which has led to a decrease in road funding.
Options on the table include:
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Eliminating federal mandates, prevailing wage, bike paths, roundabouts, and waysides along the interstate
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Implementing efficiency proposals from the pending Department of Transportation audit
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Increasing the gas tax by 1 cent
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Increasing the $34 drivers’ license fee by $1
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Instituting toll roads
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Raising the $75 vehicle registration fee by $1
The 2017 legislative session begins Jan. 11, and this will be an issue to watch.
