Riders face possible route cuts and fare hikes
Milwaukee County Board Chairman Lee Holloway released the following statement one year after Governor Jim Doyle’s 2009-11 State Budget vetoes:
“A year ago today, Governor Jim Doyle vetoed dedicated funding for Milwaukee County buses. This gubernatorial veto threatens Milwaukee County’s ability to deliver efficient and affordable bus service to businesses and citizens in the region.
“Local officials in Dane County are moving forward to develop progressive transit plans because the Governor signed their authority and dedicated funding into law. In comparison, the Milwaukee County Transit System faces at least a $10.2 million funding gap going into the 2011 budget. A funding gap of this size would equate to a 14% service cut.
“In November 2008, Milwaukee County voters endorsed a solution to provide property tax relief via a dedicated sales tax for transit, parks, culture, and emergency medical services. I call on the Governor and the Legislature to enact legislation that fulfills the wishes of these voters before it is too late. A failure to take immediate legislative action to stabilize the Milwaukee County Transit System will have significant consequences for fixed route and paratransit riders.
“A super majority of the Milwaukee County Board is committed to securing dedicated funding to save the bus system, address deferred maintenance in our parks and reduce the property tax burden on County residents. I ask the Governor and the State Legislature to help us achieve this goal on behalf of our mutual constituents.”
