Gas tax debate continues among Wisconsin Republicans

State would need an extra billion dollars
to fund approved projects over two years

Whether there is a bump in Wisconsin’s gas tax may depend on the debate that’s going on among Republicans in the state. 

On Wednesday, a Republican Legislative committee member urged considering higher gas taxes and fees to fill road funding gaps. Meanwhile, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker repeated his opposition.

Republican state senate candidate from La Crosse, Dan Kapanke, agrees about the importance of transportation but seems less than alarmed about funding issues.

“You look here and everywhere you drive, it seems like there’s road construction going on, which seems like a good thing,” Kapanke said.

Wisconsin lawmakers would need to find an extra billion dollars over the next two years to pay for what they’ve already approved in transportation projects.  

Kapanke thinks Walker’s ideas will play well after the completion of a couple of giant road projects in Milwaukee.

“I’ve heard the governor say, ‘I believe that once we get these two projects done, we’re going to look at road maintenance across the rest of the state.’ and that’s encouraging,” Kapanke said.

Kapanke urges an approach where the state looks at existing revenues and prioritizes transportation projects based on that. He also believes there can be some middle ground in the matter.

“With those of us in Madison that are listing this as a priority, we can work together on both sides and address this in a way that satisfies the public and satisfies our budget,” Kapanke said.