NEWS
State budget may increase driver registration
Looking for a print version?
Simply choose ‘Print’ on your computer and a printer-friendly document will be generated.
Also by Carolyn Smith:
- Senate committee scrutinizes UW (October 20, 2005)
- Duo unveils universal healthcare proposal (October 21, 2005)
- In-Depth: WiCell unveils stem cell breakthrough (January 15, 2006)
Related Stories:
- DOT pushes for fee hike (November 17, 2006)
- Lawmakers put motion for new budget (March 10, 2005)
- Budget sparks debate (March 29, 2005)
- DOT keeps rolling with proposed budget increase (February 22, 2007)
- Amid budget crisis, DOT hits jam (December 14, 2006)
by Carolyn Smith
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
This is a part in a series exploring aspects of Gov. Jim Doyle's budget proposal.
Gov. Jim Doyle's proposed budget may have Wisconsin drivers paying more for vehicle registration. The increase in registration fees would help fund his $4.4 billion transportation budget, the largest transportation budget in state history.
Doyle said the increased budget would bolster economic growth and provide safe and efficient transportation for Wisconsin residents.
"Because building and maintaining our infrastructure is vital to our economy, my budget includes a robust transportation program," Doyle said in his budget speech Feb. 8.
The Department of Transportation encompasses state highways; the Department of Motor Vehicles; State Patrol; and rail, water and air transportation in Wisconsin.
DOT revenues come primarily from the $0.29 state gas tax and a vehicle registration fee currently set at $55. Under the proposed budget, the fee would be raised to $65. Title fees for new vehicles would also be increased by $10, up to $45.
More than 45 percent of the DOT budget will be dedicated to state roadways, while about 30 percent will go to local programs, which include public transit and bike and pedestrian facilities.
Doyle's increase in highway spending is part of a plan to complete reconstruction of the Marquette interchange in Milwaukee, which will cost more than $400 million over the next two years to complete.
Nearly $800 million will be spent to extend the Chicago Metra commuter train system to Milwaukee. The Metra system currently runs from Chicago to Kenosha, Wisc.
Under Doyle's new budget, the DOT would help pay for school transportation for children.
"While the state's transportation fund helps pay the cost for an adult who rides the bus to work, not a penny is available for helping kids get on the bus for school," Doyle said.
His budget also calls for a transfer of transportation funds into other programs.
This plan has not been well received by some state legislators.
"He's raiding $400 million from the transportation fund and putting it into general purpose revenues to fund holes elsewhere in his budget," said Steve Baas, press secretary for Rep. John Gard, R-Peshtigo. "It's a recipe for fiscal disaster in the long run."
Doyle's budget could also lead to the loss of 224 jobs in the DOT.
"Cutting state jobs is one of the most difficult responsibilities we have," Doyle said. "That's why we are doing everything humanly possible to minimize the effects on people's lives."
Despite some aspects, the DOT sees the new proposal as an improvement from the budget over the past two years.
"It's good news from our perspective," said Casey Newman, director of the Office of Policy and Budget for the Wisconsin DOT. "We will see increases in funding for all major programs."
Newman said the cut positions are part of a general reorganization of the DOT.
"It is the result of an extensive reorganization analysis on our part," Newman said. "That way we can be a better department poised to take on the challenges of the future."
The DOT is hoping to help employees whose positions are cut find new employment, Newman added. He also said the DOT's eight districts throughout the state will be reorganized into five regions.
