Contact: Tony Palese, tony.palese@legis.wi.gov, 608-266-5490

MADISON, WI – With top Republican politicians in Wisconsin gridlocked over how to address the state’s transportation funding deficit, Democratic lawmakers want to break the stalemate by creating a Joint Transportation Committee to craft a long-term funding solution. Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) and Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) unveiled their proposal today in an effort to avoid project delays and further job losses.

“Democrats have been talking about this crisis and putting forward solutions for years,” said Sen. Shilling. “Gov. Walker and Republican politicians have been unable to work together and come to a consensus. We can create a better deal for taxpayers and workers if we move beyond partisan posturing, special interest demands and counterproductive veto threats. A joint committee – with equal input from both sides – can break the current stalemate and expand economic opportunities for Wisconsin workers, businesses and communities.”

The plan from Democratic Leaders calls for the creation of a bipartisan joint Senate and Assembly committee consisting of four Republican and four Democratic lawmakers. The committee would be charged with soliciting public input, developing a long-term transportation funding plan, protecting Wisconsin jobs, expanding job training opportunities and improving project safety. All proposals to increase and broaden revenue streams, address recent workplace restrictions and restore fair worker wages would be on the table.

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