Lawmakers wish list ambitious

It is an ambitious agenda. Republicans who control the Wisconsin legislature have unveiled their plans for the next legislative session. And there are many things to like. Perhaps the biggest is the willingness to seek a sustainable plan for funding roadwork throughout the state. Lawmakers in recent years have resorted to borrowing, but many road projects remain on hold because of a lack of funding. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos says his party is ready to look at toll roads as a possible way to raise the money needed to fix our roads. They are also willing to look at gas tax hikes and registration fee hikes as a way to raise enough to ease the current $1 billion transportation shortfall. Vos’ agenda also includes giving local communities options for local road projects. The plan lacks specifics, but La Crosse would not doubt welcome the ability to have a say in how or whether roads are built after some skirmishes with the DOT. There is also a willingness on the part of republicans to look into tax reform, perhaps eliminating some existing loopholes. This is an ambitious agenda. Now we will have to see just how much ambition our lawmakers really have.