Lawmakers in the state Assembly will have to wait until later this month to vote on a bill that would reduce minimum coverage requirements for auto insurance. The legislation would return those minimums to where they were before the last state budget raised them.
State Representative John Nygren (R-Marinette) says the increase required many families to spend more on auto insurance, especially since coverage is now mandated. Nygren on Wednesday criticized Democrats for mocking those who saw premiums rise by even $15 a month, saying that amount is hard for some financially struggling families to deal with.
Democrats argue the massive premium hikes Republicans predicted didn’t actually happen though.
State Representative David Cullen (D-Milwaukee) says lowering coverage levels could prevent those injured by another driver from accessing the money they need to recover. He says the insurance changes were actually better for consumers because they make sure drivers have adequate coverage.
The bill does not change the mandate that all drivers carry insurance.
After seeing several of their amendments to the bill rejected on the floor, Democrats used a procedural move Wednesday to prevent a final vote from taking place. Lawmakers will likely take that vote the next time they’re in session.
