Public Policy Bulletin Board
Governor Signs Budget Bill
07/02/2009
Earlier this week Governor Doyle signed the state’s budget bill into law, but not before vetoing 81 areas of the adopted legislative version. Gone from the budget is a Senate provision that would permanently index the state’s minimum wage to inflation and changes to joint and several liability laws.
Language enabling creation of a Dane County RTA was approved as part of the bill, but the Governor vetoed requirements for a binding referendum and the ability to use RTA funds for roads as well as transit.
Elected officials, including the Mayor and County Executive, have said publicly that they will still pursue a referendum, which would occur in the Fall 2010 general elections at earliest. Prior to a referendum, the County Board will need to adopt an authorizing resolution creating the RTA and representatives to serve on the RTA will need to be appointed.
The GMCC supports a comprehensive, regional transportation system with multi-modal uses that maximizes federal dollars first. An RTA could be a way to accomplish this objective. The first hurdle has been cleared, and that is obtaining state approval. Now, the public will play an important role in determining what an RTA can and should include.