Sales Tax Increase Would Fund Regional Transit Authority
Half-Cent Increase To Sales Tax Proposed
Updated: 7:10 am CDT April 30, 2009
MADISON, Wis. -- A new state report shows that a proposal to fund a regional transit authority could have families paying more.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportBut those in support of creating a Dane County RTA said the families would save money with more options to get around.The change would be a half-cent increase in a consumer's sales tax. But some lawmakers said that little change on consumers' receipts could change the way residents get around.At an area convenience store, commuter Sam Kellar said the sales tax on his receipt was 42 cents."I have no idea where (that money is) going honestly. I just know it's something I pay all the time," Kellar said.Supporters said a proposal to bump the sales tax on transactions half a cent could help commuters travel faster."I think that there's a lot of enthusiasm for making sure we have a 21st century transportation system. Roads, buses, rails, whatever it will take to get us all to work everyday. And I think that there's support in the Legislature," said Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk.But the push for a RTA doesn't come without criticism."In order for people to commit to using mass transportation, it's got to be somewhat convenient to them. People aren't going to get out of their cars, and quite frankly, I wouldn't expect them to come out of their cars," said Jack Martz, a Dane County supervisor.While one report showed the half cent tax increase could cost the average household $172 a year, commuters have mixed feelings about the proposal."If it was functional, I think a lot more people would use it. Right now our bus system is so crazy, nobody wants to use it," said Courtney Franklin, a commuter."I think it's a good idea. It's going to get cars off the roads, which is less emissions, which is important these days. I could use some extra transportation for sure. I get a little tired of driving," Kellar said.A commuter rail has been a polarizing issue in discussions of regional transit, WISC-TV reported.Falk said a commuter rail wouldn't come without referendum and research, and it could take more than a year.Opponents of a RTA said that focusing on existing infrastructure first is where talks about improving transportation should start.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportBut those in support of creating a Dane County RTA said the families would save money with more options to get around.The change would be a half-cent increase in a consumer's sales tax. But some lawmakers said that little change on consumers' receipts could change the way residents get around.At an area convenience store, commuter Sam Kellar said the sales tax on his receipt was 42 cents."I have no idea where (that money is) going honestly. I just know it's something I pay all the time," Kellar said.Supporters said a proposal to bump the sales tax on transactions half a cent could help commuters travel faster."I think that there's a lot of enthusiasm for making sure we have a 21st century transportation system. Roads, buses, rails, whatever it will take to get us all to work everyday. And I think that there's support in the Legislature," said Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk.But the push for a RTA doesn't come without criticism."In order for people to commit to using mass transportation, it's got to be somewhat convenient to them. People aren't going to get out of their cars, and quite frankly, I wouldn't expect them to come out of their cars," said Jack Martz, a Dane County supervisor.While one report showed the half cent tax increase could cost the average household $172 a year, commuters have mixed feelings about the proposal."If it was functional, I think a lot more people would use it. Right now our bus system is so crazy, nobody wants to use it," said Courtney Franklin, a commuter."I think it's a good idea. It's going to get cars off the roads, which is less emissions, which is important these days. I could use some extra transportation for sure. I get a little tired of driving," Kellar said.A commuter rail has been a polarizing issue in discussions of regional transit, WISC-TV reported.Falk said a commuter rail wouldn't come without referendum and research, and it could take more than a year.Opponents of a RTA said that focusing on existing infrastructure first is where talks about improving transportation should start.
Previous Stories:
- April 21, 2009: 32 Communities To Share $11 Million For Transit
- April 20, 2009: Doyle Backs $34.5M In Transit Projects
- January 9, 2009: Mayor Makes Proposal For Low-Income Metro Bus Passes
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