Emergency responders call for improvements to Wisconsin roads

MADISON — Police and fire fighters from across Wisconsin say public safety is being put at risk because of poor road conditions.

Representatives from organizations representing state troopers, fire fighters, sheriffs and police officers on Tuesday called on the Legislature to pass a sustainable road funding plan.

They did not advocate for any particular proposal.

Gov. Tony Evers has put forward an 8-cent per-gallon gas tax as part of his plan to increase road funding by $608 million over two years. But Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald last week said the gas tax hike would be rejected.

The Legislature's budget committee planned to vote Thursday on road funding.

Groups represented at the Tuesday news conference were the Wisconsin Troopers' Association, the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin, the Badger State Sheriffs' Association and the Wisconsin Professional Police Association.