Money in the state’s Transportation Fund has been a frequent target in recent years to help balance the state budget. However, a vote in Racine County this week shows many want the practice to stop.
Transportation Development Association director Craig Thompson says about 73-percent of voters cast ballots in support of an advisory referendum, which calls for an amendment to the state Constitution banning transfers from segregated funds.
Thompson says the vote was just the first of many set for this fall. Similar questions will be on ballots this November in at least 51 Wisconsin counties, and two more will consider next week whether they’ll add the measure as well.
Thompson says he’s not surprised by the overwhelming support in Racine County. He says the ballot initiative is giving a voice to what many people across the state have been feeling for years.
The Transportation Fund is collected largely from gas tax revenues and vehicle registrations. It’s supposed to fund road construction, but Governor Doyle and lawmakers have used over $1.2 billion from it to help balance the last three state budgets.