UPDATED Wednesday, February 20, 2013 --- 2:25 p.m.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The Wisconsin Senate has approved a constitutional amendment that prevents lawmakers from diverting money from the state transportation fund to pay for other expenses.
The Republican-authored measure passed on a 25-8 vote Wednesday, and will go to voters for their consideration in the November 2014 election. It easily passed the Assembly last week.
Under the amendment, any money the state collects through the gas tax, fees imposed on driver's licenses and titling vehicles must be deposited in the transportation fund. Once in the fund, the money could not be used for any program that isn't run by the state Department of Transportation.
Former Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle raided $1.3 billion from the fund to pay for schools and other expenses.
Copyright 2013: Associated Press
______________________________________________
Posted: Wednesday, February 20, 2013 -- 7:12 a.m.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The Wisconsin Senate is scheduled to vote on a constitutional amendment that prevents lawmakers from diverting money from the state transportation fund to pay for other items.
The Assembly passed the measure last week with an overwhelming 82-13 vote.
If it clears the Senate on Wednesday, it would then get on the ballot for voter consideration in the November 2014 election.
Republicans authoring the amendment say any money the state collects through the gas tax, fees imposed on driver's licenses and titling vehicles must go to the transportation fund and could not be used for any other program.
Former Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle diverted $1.3 billion from the fund to pay for schools and other expenses.
Copyright 2013: Associated Press
