Assembly Speaker Robin Vos says he would be happy to offer an alternative road funding plan – if the governor wants to let him work with the Department of Transportation to develop one.
Even though the formal budget plan will not be out until next year, Assembly Republicans and Governor Scott Walker have been at odds over road funding in the next budget. Walker has said he will oppose any tax or fee increase to pay for projects, while several GOP leaders have been critical of delaying projects or using borrowing to pay for roads.
The governor also suggested lawmakers come up with alternatives to his plan…something Vos argues is not an easy task. “I think it was a bit disingenuous for Governor Walker to say put together your own plan…I have eight staff people, he has hundreds – he has an entire department that works at his discretion,” Vos said.
AUDIO: Speaker Vos on Republicans offering an alternative transportation plan (:37)
The Rochester Republican said his members want to come up with a plan that solves the state’s long term transportation issues. He said the Legislature will work to improve the final budget plan the governor brings forward early next year.