Wisconsin no longer needs all those maps

When was the last time you looked at a map? An actual map. The ones all folded up nice and neat that you can never seem to fold back in place just right. If you’re like most people, it has probably been a while since you unfolded an actual map, the kind made of paper. Maybe you didn’t even know maps are still being printed these days. Well, they are. At least in Wisconsin. Not that they are in much demand. But Wisconsin state law requires the maps be printed, and that they be distributed to lawmakers and others. In fact, every time a new map of the state of Wisconsin is printed, 500 copies of the highway maps are distributed to each of the state’s 132 lawmakers. Each lawmaker also gets 50 copies of large laminated wall maps of the state highway system. Is that really necessary? Are people beating down our lawmakers doors to get a new state map every time one is printed? Nope. The state Department of Transportation has been printing these highway maps since 1918. But smart phones didn’t exist way back then. People couldn’t talk to their phones to ask for directions or ask Alexa to map the best route. Now, one Wisconsin lawmaker wants to end the requirement that the DOT print and distribute these maps. It wouldn’t save a lot of money. Only about $10,000 a year, a tiny portion of the state’s $76 billion budget. But that doesn’t mean ending the maps is a bad idea. If nothing else, it will keep thousands of unwanted and unused maps out of the garbage.