There’s an effort in the Legislature to make parking in downtown Madison around the Capitol a bit more convenient.
The proposed bill would let the public park in spaces around the Capitol reserved for lawmakers, when the Legislature is not in session. State Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-Waunakee) says it’s an issue he’d hoped the Capitol Police could take care by just putting up new signs around the Square. However, he says a change in state law is needed to make that happen.
The bill would open those spots to the public from 6 pm to 6 am, and also on weekends. It would only apply to times when the Legislature is not in session.
Erpenbach is joined by state Senator Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) on the effort. The two are usually on opposite sides of public policy issues, but Erpenbach says it’s one thing they can agree on.
The Waunakee Democrat admits it’s a small issue, at a time when the Legislature has much bigger concerns to address. However, he says it’s something they should be able to take care of quickly.
AUDIO: John Colbert reports (:39)