On Oct. 13, 2016, Gov. Scott Walker announced his plan to increase local road funding by 8.5 percent in his 2017-2019 budget for the local road improvement program and general transportation aids. Walker’s release stated his budget would invest an additional $14.6 million in to general transportation aids. Combined with the nearly $9 million increase […]
Department of Transportation Budget Ignites Funding Debate
Date Mon, Sep. 26, 2016 - 11:52am By Hamilton
As anticipated, the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) agency budget request includes no increases to taxes or fees to increase transportation revenues, fulfilling Gov. Walker’s directive to the agency. Walker and Assembly Republicans have been publicly at odds over the agency budget request, with Walker stating he is “willing to consider any specific alternatives from Assembly […]
LFB Memo Shows Transportation Shortfall in Next Biennium
Date Tue, Aug. 9, 2016 - 3:16pm By Hamilton
On July 27, the Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) released a memo projecting the Department of Transportation (DOT) will need an additional $939 million in revenue to maintain current transportation funding levels in the 2017-19 budget. The memo was requested by Rep. John Nygren (R-Marinette), co-chair of the Joint Finance Committee (JFC). Along with the release of the […]
Governor Vetoes Two Bills
Date Thu, May. 5, 2016 - 3:21pm By Hamilton
The review period for the governor to sign or veto legislation has now ended. While Gov. Scott Walker signed most bills, he also issued his first full vetoes. Senate Bill 360 and Senate Bill 87 were vetoed and returned to the Senate. SB 360, which was introduced by Sen. Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon) and Sen. Luther […]
Dies in Committee: Loss-of-Use Liability for Rental Motor Vehicles
Date Mon, Mar. 28, 2016 - 3:08pm By Hamilton
Under Assembly Bill 672/Senate Bill 495, introduced by Rep. Nancy VanderMeer (R-Tomah) and Sen. Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield), a rental company may hold a renter or driver of a rental car liable for loss of use that results from an accident if the renter or driver is cited or charged with inattentive or reckless driving or […]
Legislation to Allow Mounting Vehicle Monitoring Device Signed by Governor
Date Thu, Mar. 3, 2016 - 6:57pm By Hamilton
2015 Wisconsin Act 160 was signed by Governor Walker on Monday, February 29. The legislation, authored by Rep. Spiros (R – Marshfield) and Sen. Wanggaard (R – Racine) allows one to mount a monitoring and feedback device to the front windshield of a vehicle around the rearview mirror area. The legislation changes the previously existing […]
Court Hears Arguments in Right to Work Lawsuit
Date Thu, Mar. 3, 2016 - 6:48pm By Hamilton
On March 10, 2015 the International Association of Machinists Local 1061 and two other unions filed a complaint against the State of Wisconsin alleging the “Right to Work” bill passed by the legislature (2015 Act 1) constitutes an unconstitutional taking of the plaintiffs’ property which violates Wisconsin Constitution Art. I, § 13. The plaintiffs argue […]
Vehicle Data Recorders Legislation Moves out of Committee
Date Thu, Feb. 18, 2016 - 8:31pm By Hamilton
Rep. Kremer (R-Kewaskum), Rep. Quinn (R-Rice Lake) and Sen. Stroebel (R-Saukville) have introduced legislation (Assembly Bill 838/Senate Bill 697) that would prohibit accessing, collecting, or transferring certain types of information about a motor vehicle without written consent of the motor vehicle owner. The companion bills were fast-tracked, with introduction and hearing occurring within the first […]
Congress Passes Long-Term Transportation Bill
Date Fri, Dec. 11, 2015 - 10:36am By Hamilton
In early December, Congress passed the Fixing America’s Transportation Act (FAST ACT) with bipartisan support. The legislation provides funding to improve surface transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, transit systems and passenger rail network. The bill will provide $305 billion in funding over the next five years. This is the first long-term transportation bill in a […]
Governor Delivers Remarks at Associated Builders and Contractors
Date Fri, Nov. 20, 2015 - 11:46am By Hamilton
This fall, Governor Scott Walker joined Wisconsin construction representatives in touring the Wisconsin Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin (ABC) headquarters and apprentice training center in Madison. ABC is a national trade association for the construction industry that promotes the merit shop form of construction. WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and […]