There was bipartisan support in the state Senate on Tuesday for a bill allowing voters to create a regional transit authority in the Fox Valley, but the measure is a non-starter in the Assembly.
“All it does is allow the people of the Fox Valley to (hold a) referendum to agree to do an RTA,” said Senator Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay). “What fairer way is there?”
“For once he and I are in total agreement,” said Senate President Mike Ellis (R-Neenah). “This is a good bill.” The bill passed 24-to-7, with Hansen expressing hope that the Assembly will pass the measure, but that appears unlikely.
“I do not want to create a patchwork around the state, where individual communities raise sales taxes to put into transit,” said Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Burlington).
Vos said lawmakers need to address funding for transportation by looking for new revenue sources for the entire state.