Post by Logan on Jun 28, 2016 17:51:22 GMT -6
Gov. Scott Walker has redoubled his resistance to increasing gas taxes or vehicle fees to fund Wisconsin roads, saying near-term spending on large highway expansions instead must be curtailed.
In a letter to Transportation Secretary Mark Gottlieb, Walker also instructed him to submit his agency's budget request by Sept. 15 instead of Nov. 15 to "allow for a full public discussion."
The letter is another sign that road funding will be among the most high-profile -- and likely contentious -- legislative issues when lawmakers reconvene in 2017.
It also underscores a deepening rift on the issue among statehouse Republicans. Republicans who control the state Assembly, led by Speaker Robin Vos of Rochester and Majority Leader Jim Steineke of Kaukauna, have said more revenue likely is needed for road projects -- and that all options, including a gas tax increase, should be considered to provide it.
Read more: host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/scott-walker-digs-in-on-opposition-to-gas-tax-increase/article_14a8c791-089f-569f-a564-7cae172ee2ba.html
In a letter to Transportation Secretary Mark Gottlieb, Walker also instructed him to submit his agency's budget request by Sept. 15 instead of Nov. 15 to "allow for a full public discussion."
The letter is another sign that road funding will be among the most high-profile -- and likely contentious -- legislative issues when lawmakers reconvene in 2017.
It also underscores a deepening rift on the issue among statehouse Republicans. Republicans who control the state Assembly, led by Speaker Robin Vos of Rochester and Majority Leader Jim Steineke of Kaukauna, have said more revenue likely is needed for road projects -- and that all options, including a gas tax increase, should be considered to provide it.
Read more: host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/scott-walker-digs-in-on-opposition-to-gas-tax-increase/article_14a8c791-089f-569f-a564-7cae172ee2ba.html