Fiscal Note
No appropriation required.
Title
AMENDED Opposing the Elimination of Regional Transit Authorities in Wisconsin.
Body
WHEREAS, in the 2009 biennium budget the State of Wisconsin enabled the creation of RTAs in certain parts of the state, including in Dane County, which matches the MPO boundaries containing Madison, Middleton, Ftichburg, Sun Prairie, Verona, and other municipalities; and,
WHEREAS, the RTA has been formed and has developed a plan for building upon our existing bus system as well as other enhancements such as advancing Bus Rapid Transit and building park-and-rides; and,
WHEREAS, the RTA could go to referendum for a sales tax increase as soon as April 5, 2011; and,
WHEREAS, members of the new majority in the Legislature have long threatened to eliminate all Wisconsin RTAs and are now making good on that threat, having rejected attempts at compromise made by representatives from the City of Madison, Dane County, and elsewhere; and,
WHEREAS, the Legislative Fiscal Bureau has informed legislators that since Federal transit aid depends upon maintaining existing collective bargaining agreements, the so-called "Budget Repair Bill" could cost Wisconsin at least $46.6m in transit aid, including $7.1m for the Madison area;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Madison opposes the elimination of RTAs and urges the Wisconsin Assembly and Senate to support RTAs and transit throughout the state. ; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Madison encourages the Dane County RTA to place its referendum question on the ballot for April 5, 2011, regardless of pending state legislation eliminating the RTA