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Transportation Hearing Tomorrow
The Assembly Transportation Committee will hold an informational hearing tomorrow on Governor Scott Walker's Department of Transportation 2017-2019 budget proposal. The committee will hear testimony from invited groups only. The League has been invited to testify. The hearing begins at 10:00 a.m. and will be held in room 412 East of the State Capitol. Wisconsin Eye will be taping the hearing.
In an unprecedented move earlier this year, Governor Walker issued an open letter to DOT Secretary Gottlieb instructing the department on how to develop its 2017-19 budget.
Gottlieb's budget proposal, which he released on September 15, proposes increases in local aids, reductions in funding for major highway construction, and recommends no fee or fuel tax increase.
Rep. Keith Ripp, (R-Lodi), chairman of the Assembly Transportation Committee, explained that
"these hearings are a necessary first step for the legislature in understanding the lasting ramifications of the department's budget request." Rep. Ripp also said: "Our final transportation budget must reflect long-term transportation needs for our state and local roadways, while also promoting safety and reliability."
League testimony will be provided by Executive Director Jerry Deschane. Jerry will be joined by the Mayors of Ashland, Baraboo, and Sheboygan, and the city administrator of Marshfield.
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Panel Discussion on State-Local Government Relationship this Thursday
On Thursday, December 8, the Public Policy Forum's Viewpoint Luncheon will focus on the state-local government relationship and its impact on municipal and county budgets. The League's immediate past president, Mayor Dan Devine, West Allis, is one of the panelists. Other panelists are:
David Bowen, Wisconsin State Assembly and former Milwaukee County Supervisor
Paul Farrow, Waukesha County Executive and former Wisconsin State Senator and Assemblyman
Dale Kooyenga, Wisconsin State Assembly and Vice-Chair, Joint Finance Committee
The discussion will be moderated by Jason Stein, State Capitol Reporter, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Jerry, Curt and Gail from the League staff will be in the audience.
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League staff and Municipal Officials Meeting with Rep. John Nygren Today on Transportation Issues
This afternoon, Jerry Deschane and Curt Witynski are participating in a meeting with Joint Finance co-chair Rep. John Nygren (R-Marinette). Marinette Mayor Steve Genisot is hosting the meeting, which will also be attended by municipal officials from other communities in Marinette County. The meeting was organized by the League to give Rep. Nygren an opportunity to discuss his support for enacting a long-term, sustainable solution to funding our state's transportation needs, which is a position the League strongly supports. We will also be communicating to Rep. Nygren our support for the Governor's proposed funding increases in General Transportation Aids and the Local Road Improvement Program. The meeting is from 1:30 to 3:00 in Marinette City Hall.
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