Assembly to hear from advocates on Wisconsin roads budget

MADISON — Road builders, local governments, business leaders, agricultural interests and environmentalists are all getting a chance to weigh in on how to pay for improving Wisconsin's roads.

The state Assembly's Transportation Committee scheduled an informational hearing for Tuesday on the topic. The state Department of Transportation faces a nearly $1 billion budget shortfall, which it is proposing solving through increased borrowing and delaying work on major projects.



Republican lawmakers are split on whether raising taxes and fees should also be considered as part of the mix. They publicly sparred on Monday over that approach, with Gov. Scott Walker reiterating he won't sign a tax increase without a corresponding decrease.

The hearing comes as Assembly Republicans are working on an alternate plan.