MADISON, Wis. (WTAQ) - More groups are getting behind an effort to limit the use of Wisconsin gas tax money to transportation projects. Over 2 dozen transportation and business groups have formed what’s now called the “Finding Forward Coalition.”
They’re pushing for a state constitutional amendment to prevent the use of gas tax money to balance other parts of the state budget – something that’s been done in last 4 state budgets.
Governor Jim Doyle proposed and approved those transfers, and a spokesman in his office is not commenting on the movement. It started a few weeks ago as an effort to have as many Wisconsin counties as possible hold fall referendums on the subject.
Supporters say the public sentiment would be put heat on future governors not to raid the transportation fund. The coalition says those transfers hurt the quality of the state’s infrastructure, while costing jobs and putting commerce in jeopardy.
The Legislative Fiscal Bureau says the gas tax fund has lost about $307 million in transfers – after some of the previous money was put back.
