Rep. Pocan: Gov. Walker Continues to Neglect Wisconsin’s Infrastructure
Department of Transportation Report Ranked Wisconsin Roads as Third Worst in the Country
Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) strongly opposes Gov. Scott Walker's comments, laid out in an interview Thursday that the state could ‘simply spend less on roadwork' in his next budget to keep his pledge not to raise taxes. Members of the Governor's own party have harshly criticized the continued underfunding of transportation infrastructure because it leaves roads, highways and bridges crumbling. Failure to invest in our bridges and roads will result in safety hazards, which are disruptive to travel and hurt our economy.
Last July, the U.S. Department of Transportation released a report listing Wisconsin as thethird worst state in the nation for highway infrastructure.
"Gov. Walker's last budget failed to provide critical infrastructure investments that the people and businesses in Wisconsin deserve," said Rep. Pocan. "Important construction projects have already been delayed. Our state should not have to endure dropping down to very last in the nation due to short-sighted budget promises the governor made while eyeing a presidential bid."
"Last month, Congress finally passed a long-term, bipartisan Highway Funding bill. There is no excuse for not adequately funding Wisconsin's highways, bridges and roads," continued Rep. Pocan. "To follow Gov. Walker's budgeting advice would jeopardize public safety and disrupt economic growth in our state which has already dropped from 11th to 37th in job creation on his watch."
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