As I traveled throughout the 93^rd Assembly District this spring and summer talking to residents about what issues were important to them for the state budget, overwhelmingly fixing our roads was a very high priority. In fact, the response that received the highest rating in my spring budget survey—86% of respondents—named repairing our roads and bridges as one of their top priorities. That is why I collaborated with my Republican colleagues during the budget process to craft a spending plan that was enacted into law that added over $1.5 billion in new money for vital improvements to our transportation infrastructure.

These new funds will help make roads safer while also ensuring that our businesses can get their products to market. That is why the budget raised financing for municipal roads by $285 million through a variety of programs. One of these initiatives, the new agriculture roads development programs, will direct road funds to parts of our state where agriculture is prevalent, such as the 93rd Assembly District.

Furthermore, my vote to boost local road aids in the budget help fund road repairs by our local towns, villages, and counties. It also specifically included a provision to enhance mileage aid payments for our local roads, which small communities rely on for upkeep. The governor, however, vetoed this provision, which means that this money will be distributed to larger urban communities across the state, disproportionately harming rural areas and costing the 93rd Assembly District almost a quarter of a million dollars in road funding over the biennium.

Despite this veto by the governor, the remaining road investments were made in a smarter, more efficient manner than the governor had planned. In general, transportation money is obtained through borrowing, which costs the state more in the long run due to interest payments. The budget passed by the legislature invested more in our roads while putting $88 million less on the state’s credit card than the governor requested, reducing the borrowing burden and saving on interest payments for future budgets.

And, as road planning and maintenance continue in our area, it's always a good idea to check the state's 511 WI Projects website to see if there will be any closures in your neighborhood or on your trip. Also, when entering a construction or work zone, please stay vigilant, put down your phone, and remove any distractions. Our friends and neighbors work hard to make our roadways safe, and we must do our share to keep them safe as well. Travel safely!