Senator Chris Larson - 7th DistrictSeptember 22, 2011
Backstory - Week ending September 23, 2011
Milwaukee County Public Transit Facing More Cuts
Milwaukee County officials will soon be considering a budget plan that will include a 12% cut to bus route services and hours of operation. These proposed cuts come in the wake of Governor Scott Walker attacking Milwaukee's public transit system with his divisive budget.
This is not the first time Governor Walker has declared open season on Milwaukee County transit. Walker previously cut transit funds for Milwaukee County by 20% during his eight-year tenure as Milwaukee County Executive. As Governor he then cut state public transit aid to Milwaukee an additional 10% in the state's budget, which went into effect on July 1 of this year.
Efficient public transit across Wisconsin is crucial for attracting businesses to move to our state, getting Wisconsinites to work and helping our economy grow. A recently released University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee study indicated that the cuts instituted by Governor Walker are forcing Milwaukee County to consider eliminating service to at least 13,553 jobs located at almost 1,000 companies throughout our community.
I have always been a strong advocate for maintaining and improving Milwaukee County's public transit infrastructure. While on the Milwaukee County Board I spearheaded efforts to create a dedicated funding source for our public transit, parks and emergency medical services. Currently 95% of transit systems across the country have a dedicated funding source. I also have taken similar actions while serving you in the Senate by voting against Governor Walker's draconian cuts to Milwaukee County's public transit this past June.
The majority of Milwaukee County residents previously expressed the importance of public transportation to our community by supporting an advisory referendum to increase funds for parks, transit, and emergency medical services (EMS) through a 1% sales tax and $67 million in property tax relief.
While the Wisconsin State Legislature has already voted on Walker's biennial state budget, Milwaukee County is currently working on their budget and determining whether it should cut or maintain current public transit services. Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele is expected to release his final 2012 budget plan on September 29.
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Veterans Employment Alliance Center Now Open
Last Friday I had the opportunity to be a part of the grand opening of the Veterans Employment Alliance (VEA) located near our community. This newly-opened center hopes to address the unique hurdles Milwaukee County's veterans and their families face each and every day. VEA will be available to assist veterans in our community by finding affordable housing for homeless veterans and offering employment workshops and job training programs. For more information about the VEA Center, visit their Facebook page by CLICKING HERE.
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