Gov. Walker proposes road delays, layoffs
Long-term transportation fix remains elusive for disjointed GOP lawmakers
Governor Scott Walker at the 10th Street Brewery Expansion Groundbreaking. Photo by Jeramey Jannene.
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.
“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.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
