New report finds Wisconsin transportation shortfall nears $1 billion

How to pay for better roads remains elusive for Wisconsin legislators. The state in recent years has resorted to borrowing money to pay to build or fix roads. A lot of borrowing. $500 million, just in the last budget. But still, it isn’t enough. A drive nearly anywhere in the state confirms that. The potholes serve as constant reminders. The state is now almost one billion dollars shy of having the money needed to complete those road projects already planned. Wisconsin roads are now considered to be some of the worst in the nation. Some in the Wisconsin legislature realize the state can’t continue to rely on borrowing, but rather need to develop a sustainable, long-term plan to pay for road work. That generally means new taxes or fees, something Governor Scott Walker remains opposed to. He points out that Wisconsin’s gas tax is already among the highest in the nation. But unlike many other states, Wisconsin does not apply the sales tax to gas purchases. The cost of registering a vehicle in the state is significantly lower than in many neighboring states. Studies show owning and operating a car in Wisconsin is one of the least expensive among the states. And falling gas prices and more fuel efficient vehicles continue to make it even cheaper. Nobody wants to pay higher taxes, or more fees, but we also want to drive on roads that are safe. Now is the time to figure out how to balance the two.