Walker Proposes Road Delays, Layoffs Print
News
Written by Wisconsin Senate, Tony Palese   
Friday, 07 July 2017 16:29

road-repair-wi-milwLong-term transportation fix remains elusive for disjointed GOP lawmakers.


MADISON – After missing Wisconsin’s budget deadline last week, Gov. Walker and majority party Republicans continue to struggle with budget cuts and funding shortfalls. In rejecting bipartisan calls for a long-term funding fix, Gov. Walker’s latest plan would result in additional cuts to the state’s transportation budget and costly road project delays.

jennifer-shilling“Of all the bizarre ideas being discussed by Republicans in their secret budget meetings, this latest proposal from Gov. Walker is the most irresponsible,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). “Gov. Walker is proposing more long-term borrowing, more project delays and more construction layoffs. I’m not willing to put drivers’ safety at risk with a ‘contingency bonding’ plan that ignores the immediate repair needs of our crumbling roads and bridges. Rather than begging for a federal bailout, Wisconsin families and businesses want a long-term fix that prioritizes development over debt.”

Despite having total control of the statehouse and Governor’s office, Republican infighting has derailed budget talks for the past several weeks. The budget-writing Joint Finance Committee hasn’t met publicly since June 15th. Their failure to complete a budget by the state’s July 1st budget deadline has created more uncertainty for Wisconsin schools, families and communities.