FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 19, 2025 WIPTA STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR EVERS’ EXECUTIVE BUDGET The Wisconsin Public Transportation Association (WIPTA) commends Governor Evers for his executive budget proposal, particularly as it relates to prioritizing investments in statewide public transportation funding. Public Transportation serves a vital role in Wisconsin’s communities by connecting employees to work, getting students to school, and providing trips for healthcare, shopping, and even recreation. Despite this fact, state mass transit aids are 2% less in real dollars than they were in 2012. Adjusted for inflation, that is 40% less state funding over the same period of time. The Governor’s proposed increase of 4% in each year of the biennium is important progress for our local transportation providers and additional funds for our smallest urban and rural systems is extremely important in helping them meet their needs. The Governor’s proposed increases in Paratransit Aids and Specialized Transportation Aids, which support transportation for elderly and disabled residents, are crucial for providing important transportation options that our communities demand for seniors and our most vulnerable populations. These popular programs are very expensive for local transit providers to administer and continued increases are necessary for continued service. WIPTA also recognizes Governor Evers for again proposing the creation of a Transit Capital Assistance Fund to provide ongoing assistance for capital expenses such as facility improvements and bus replacement. This provision is especially important given current uncertainty in federal funding that communities rely on. Finally, WIPTA appreciates the inclusion of language that would allow local units of government to choose to finance public transportation via a regional transit authority. We look forward to working closely with the Legislature on these proposals to invest in the transportation services provided by local government that businesses and communities desperately rely on.
