Experts share solutions for funding Wisconsin's transportation system

The Milwaukee Press Club hosted a panel of experts at the Lake Express Ferry Terminal on January 11 to tackle the hot topic issue of how to fund Wisconsin's transportation system and what the future holds for taxpayers.

MMAC's Steve Baas, Senior VP of Governmental Affairs along with Todd Berry, Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance; Bill Johnsen, formerly of the Urban Economic Development Association; John Nygren, State Rep. and co-chair of the Joint Finance Committee; and Ken Yunker, SEWRPC, faced a panel of journalists to answer questions and share thoughts about current problems and possible solutions

Wisconsin’s transportation issue in not merely a political, it is an economic issue as well. The Transportation Development Association found that Wisconsin roads rank 3rd worst in the nation with 56% of Milwaukee roads classified as ‘mediocre/poor.’ Steve Baas identified three areas that he hopes policy and lawmakers will keep in mind when meeting the state’s transportation challenges in the upcoming budget:
 

1. Earning the public’s trust and confidence by exhausting all possible efficiencies and cost savings in the existing system before asking motorists to pay more out of their pockets.
2. Laying all possible solutions on the table for exploration and consideration at the outset of this debate.
3. Finding  a LONG-TERM solution that is both technologically and fiscally sustainable, rather than just a short term fix in this biennial budget.

 
“Providing a temporary patch in this budget and kicking the can down the road for a comprehensive solution ultimately drives up costs and creates uncertainty,” said Baas.

>> Watch the event on Wisconsin Eye.