June 26, 2009

KRM is back on track

Details of the transportation portion of the $62 billion budget bill passed by the Senate at 12:33 a.m. this morning have become clear, and KRM supporters are celebrating.

KRM is back on track! "We're kind of letting out our breath," said Debbie Truckey, community outreach liaison for Transit NOW. It's "another win," said Kerry Thomas, executive director of Transit NOW, in a memo sent to the organization's members.

Rep. Cory Mason, D-Racine, applauded the Senate action. “This maintains a framework for the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority to get a positive review from the Federal Transit Administration and allow southeastern Wisconsin to access at least $250 million in critically important resources for transportation and economic development.” KRM is "critical to the strength and recovery of our community," he said.

The Senate's compromise version of the budget essentially restores the original Assembly version of the KRM and Regional Transit Authority measures. KRM supporters who wanted to lynch Sen. John Lehman when the Senate's original budget appeared to derail KRM will now have to rethink their anger.

The legislation will will become law if the Assembly passes the budget later today, as expected, and Gov. Jim Doyle signs it by Wednesday, July 1, in time for the next two-year spending cycle.

The key KRM / RTA provision in the State Senate's final budget compromise includes an $18 car rental tax that would be spent this way:
  • $1 for Racine to fund the BUS
  • $1 for Kenosha for its transit system
  • $2 to fund SERTA, the South-Eastern Regional Transit Authority
  • $14 for KRM commuter rail
Racine and Kenosha both are required to provide matching funds for the local transit portion.

The Senate's bill also creates a Milwaukee Transit Authority funded by a .65% sales tax, with .5% of that going for transit in Milwaukee County and .15% to police, fire and emergency medical services.

Said Thomas, "Although the plan is not perfect, it gives us a critical regional foundation to build on and gets KRM Commuter Rail back on track....by next Wednesday we should be able to celebrate!" Assuming the Assembly approves the conference committee budget just passed by the Senate, and it is left unchanged by the governor, then the community has until September to submit its KRM application to the Federal Transit Administration.

Here is a summary of the transit portion of the budget, prepared by Transit NOW:

Creation of South-Eastern Regional Transit Authority (SERTA)
• Manage KRM Commuter Rail and provide local share of funding
• Municipal bodies with transit systems could vote by governing body to contract with SERTA to provide transit service.
• 9 member body. A quorum and any action taken would require a majority (5) of members.
• Funded by an $18 car rental fee, $1 of which would go to Racine’s bus system and $1 to Kenosha Area Transit. City of Racine and City of Kenosha would have to provide a local match to receive these funds.
Creation of Milwaukee Transit Authority (MTA)
• Five member body
• The MTA would be authorized to levy a 0.65% sales tax for Milwaukee County.
• 0.5% of which would be mandated to go to the MTA for transit and the remaining 0.15% would be dispersed among Milwaukee County municipalities following a prorated formula based on the number of police and fire employees within each municipality.
• The Milwaukee County Board would be required to adopt, by majority vote, that 0.5% of the sales tax go to the MTA, only if the Milwaukee County Board agrees to be part of the MTA. The county Board would also need to vote to contract with SERTA for transit services.
SOUTH-EASTERN REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY (SERTA)
• Specified as the only entity in Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha that can apply for funding from the FTA for KRM Commuter Rail.
• Governance structure is as follows:
• Two appointees of the Milwaukee County Board; Two appointees of the Milwaukee Mayor; One appointee of the Kenosha County Board; One appointee of the Kenosha Mayor; One appointee of the Racine County Board; One appointee of the Racine Mayor; and One appointees of the Governor.

The SERTA would be funded by an $18 rental car tax dispersed in the following manner:
  • $1 will go to the City of Racine for the BUS and $1 will go to the City of Kenosha for Kenosha Area Transit; both the City of Racine and the City of Kenosha would be required to generate new funds to match revenues generated by the $1 car rental tax, to support local transit;
  • $2 will fund SERTA operations; and
  • The remainder will fund KRM commuter rail.
  • In order for municipalities in Racine and Kenosha Counties, outside of the cities of Racine and Kenosha to receive transit stops, they must provide a sustainable mechanism to generate new funding to contribute to their respective transit system.
  • The MTA, Racine Belle Urban System (BUS) and Kenosha Area Transit would each be required to vote to contract with SERTA to provide transit services. Transit systems would be required to share their annual and long-range plans with SERTA.
  • KRM stop must be located in the City of Milwaukee at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Bay Street.
  • As proposed by the Governor, the SERTA would provide $100 million in bonding authority.
The legislative conference committee’s recommendations can be found HERE. The specific Southeastern Regional Transit Authority provisions are on page 107. (It's a large .pdf, so be patient.)

103 comments:

  1. More waste in a budget filled with waste. I'm sorry, this isn't the time to be playing 'if we build it they will come.'

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  2. More whiners filled with hate. I'm sorry but this isn't the time for "don't build it and they will come."

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  3. Lehman and Mason came through for Racine in the end. Thank you!!!

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  4. If I understand right this is still NOT what the feds want. The feds wanted a sales tax.
    What this will do is get folks to rent cars from outside the area or use other transport.
    What this will do is have the transit authority raise the 50 million that will see its way to consultants and IMHO worthless groups like RCEDC.
    The interesting fact is in two years how will Gov Walker dismantle it because he will
    Helps too that both Mason and Lehman will be gone!

    There are no jobs with KRM
    There is no development with KRM (note the Metra in Kenosha)
    KRM can not even come close to paying for itself.

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  5. The Translator6/26/2009 1:11 PM

    The official Democrat support of taxation withour representation continues. Sad that a premise that we fought a revolution over is alive and well in the tax hell that is Wisconsin. When the RTA is swimming in debt, the trains are empty and the county is broke, remember the names that KRAmmed this down our throats - Doyle, Mason, Turner, Dickert and Becker.

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  6. This plan is flawed. Lets see how much money you have at the end of a month with an additional car rental fee. I want a pony. I want a pony. Get me a pony. Who are the whiners?

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  7. Whiners are those who don't blindly agree that KRM is needed and continue to ask lots of questions rather than just opening their wallets.

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  8. Pete

    How about a story on how the Feds all ready said that this funding method would not be workable?
    You could follow that up with the huge debit Merta has year after year after year, and the emergency funding required to keep Metra running?

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  9. "both the City of Racine and the City of Kenosha would be required to generate new funds to match revenues generated by the $1 car rental tax"

    So, Racine would have to create a NEW tax to get this money.

    This does not help at all! Thanks for nothing Lehman and Mason!

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  10. Anonymous 12:36

    Look in the mirror.

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  11. Was talking to State Rep Robin Vos last night, along with a few others and this subject came up.

    He said that most likely a $10 wheel tax would be put in effect in the city and any other municipality that wanted the train as the matching funds. That'd be 40 per car and, I'm guessing, substantially more for a commercial vehicle.

    Hope none of you are part of a multiple-car family or drive semi for a living.

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  12. Why can't we have a referendum on this and see how many people really want it? We do it for a few million bucks every time RUSD can't remember how to control spending, and this is going to be a whole lot more than a few million.

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  13. The Metra in Kenosha has brought blight to Kenosha's neighborhoods. The news is full of train disasters, killing many! At $5 million a mile on an existing right-of-way, this is a cash cow, boondoggle for the campaign fund cronies!

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  14. I've also heard that the way this budget is written, every other RTA in the state will be formed via referendum EXCEPT the one for KRM.

    Hmmm, wonder why that is - could you answer that for us Senator Lehman and Rep. Mason. I know Rep Vos is in favor of one, so I'm assuming you two are part of the problem.

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  15. A wheel tax! When will this end?
    WE must start the fight to stop this now.
    Fight the power Fight the Wheel tax

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  16. Instead of the "wheel tax" let's just charge everybody who gets on or off of the train in Racine a "rail" tax!

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  17. Colt:

    How can you "love" Dickert so much when he wants this more than anyone??

    "Dickert Rocks!!"....Remember???

    LMAO


    Please explain.

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  18. Every major metropolitan area in the World has a RTA except for the
    Chicago to Milwaukee coridor. Will you still oppose this when gas is five or more dollars a gallon?

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  19. Like I said I will not like everything he does or wants.
    Thinking too he knows what a wheel tax would do for his reelection.

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  20. this might be poetic justice because the people that complained about sales tax will pay more under the wheel tax than the sales tax while the outside munis get off without paying anything

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  21. I'm a little confused. I thought the idea of a sales tax on rental cars was dismissed early on due to the fact that (1) car rentals vary from year to year and, therefore, are not a dependable source of revenue, and (2) they negatively impact an industry that would be a competitor to the rail (making it look like the state is trying to put independent business owners out of business.)

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  22. anon 6:36 - Chicago to Milwaukee is NOT a major metropolitan area. Chicago is - they have the CTA which constantly struggles with near financial ruin.

    The Kenosha to Milwaukee corridor - which is what KRM will cover - is hardly a major metropolitan area and does not have anywhere near the population density of the other major metropolitan area - an essential component of a commuter rail system.

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  23. L8ManChecker6/26/2009 8:18 PM

    Train. Great. But an extra $18 to rent a car? What a turd-like idea.

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  24. So we know the funding method for KRM is not want the fed wanted.
    That ANY Counsel member who vote for a wheel tax will face angry voters. ANY those who call themselves conservatives will face a hard time being reelected. The Mayor (who I like) will face a hard time being reelected.
    So why just put this to a vote of the public?

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  25. The mayor will be just fine. So will the whiners. They make out well because they have a new thing to complain about to make them feel like freedom fighters.....at least online.

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  26. The complainers complained their way right into a wheel tax and screwed us. Thanks colt, urban pioneer, real debate and everyone like you that want to ruin this town with your nothingness.....great job you bunch of tools. Sales tax would have been more widely and fairly distributed but nooooooo, 3 bloggers had to make a stink about it.

    It worked though - you scared Lehman into the rental tax scenario to avoid sales taz....which in turn will lead to wheel tax. You three clowns cost me more on this than it had to be. Can I vote you out?

    KRM is here to stay and the Feds will accept rental car tax.

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  27. take responsibility colt! this wheel tax will be partially your fault. you should have to send everyone in racine a check to cover the difference between what they would have paid in sales tax increase vs this wheel tax

    Thx alot colt, glad you're here to "help"

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  28. And don't forget Voss. I want a check from this idiot too if we pay a wheel tax. I have no problem paying my fair share for KRM, but Voss and the Racine hating bloggers just ensured everyone in Racine that they will have to pay more than we would have with sales tax.

    They should name the wheel tax after these idiots. The Voss/colt/Urban Pioneer/Real Debate WI/caledonia Unplugged/Jody Harding We Hate Racine Wheel Tax.

    Everyone in Racine should send you all a big thank you card for all of your hard work hating this town and costing us more money in the process.

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  29. The fight is far from over. Happy to see Transit Now folks on line, was very happy to have one call in to the Storm Racine Show

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  30. This is rich! Now it will be the angry bloggers who are responsible for the increased costs for the choo choo. I can't wait - each time it runs out of money and ridership is nowhere near what was "estimated", more money will be the only solution. This failure of the choo choo will not be caused by the sheer stupidity involved, but by sabotage by angry bloggers!

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  31. Seems like the anti everything people are satisfied with the status quo. Leave everything as it is don't change a thing and heaven forbid don't raise taxes. Racine is suffering today because of this mentality, but progress will come whether you like it or not.

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  32. This is great news! Took the 9:35 p.m. Metra to Kenosha last night - train was packed ... people poured off the train in Kenosha, and many more were waiting to board for the midnight train back to Chicago. Now Racine will be linked to both Milwaukee and Chicago by rail. This is fantastic news.

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  33. 10:28

    Please quit smoking crack

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  34. Angry bloggers just cost each citizen in Racine more money for KRM than it should have.

    I'm still happy to pay my fair share but I find it digusting that these bloggers have disproportionately placed the burden on the citizens of the city of Racine via their culture of constant complaint. They created an atmosphere where the more logical sales tax increase could not take place. It would have been better and cheaper for all of us.

    I want colt, Urban Pioneer, real debate WI, Jody Harding, and Caledonia Unplugged to get together and issue a press release in which they apologize to everyone in the city for what they have done.

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  35. Things always get so much more expensive bercause of people asking legitimate questions. Those bastards!

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  36. God forbid that we do not march lock step with the KRM folks not like we far out number the Pro KRM sheep and are able to think for ourselves!
    We need to be damned in Hell for understanding that the ridership numbers are way of and we (IMHO) have been lied to about the true costs of the black hole.
    After all Cory Mason wants it.

    ------------------------------------

    If your mad now 11:40 wait until you see the anti KRM stops on the net and maybe a delaying court case or two. Then when Walker wins in 2010 this whole KRM toy thing ends! Go us

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  37. C'mon colt step up and take resposibility. You helped cost everyone more than it should have.

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  38. anon 10:50 - You wanted a train, did you not? Then don't try to blame others when your legislators are the ones that took the vote to follow your wishes.

    KRM is going to cost a boatload of money along with huge annual subsidies and that burden will be on taxpayers in whatever form is deemed necessary. And as ridership numbers fall short of projections, you may anticipate your unelected RTA (which with I'm also assuming you had no problem) raising your taxes even more, whether that be via a sales tax, a wheel tax, property tax, etc.

    Watch what you wish for, anon, you just might get it.

    But, WOW, thanks for the compliment! If only I truly did wield the influence you seem to think I (and others) do, you wouldn't be looking at a budget that's going to raise the cost of almost everything you buy or do!

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  39. Seams C.U.our job is to pay taxes and shut up.
    Too bad my job is to fight to stop the garbage that KRM is.
    We still have the power to fight this most foolish train.

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  40. Way to step up colt, Caledonia Unplugged.....

    You are the ones that created a hostile environment for investment and progress. Your hatred for Racine and it's prosperity will lead to a wheel tax that costs me more for KRM than it should have.

    Can't wait to see what you oppose next that will cost me more than it should.

    The complaint sheep fall in line behind their plan of do nothing and it will get better.

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  41. Do nothing? The politicos and dullards who got us into this mess now want the politicos and dullards to have a train to progress and nirvana. Have fun saving Racine from yourselves!

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  42. So the hue and cry is out, Stop Colt Stop anyone who disagrees with the KRM.

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  43. Constant complaining has led us to this point. Colt and his buddies have been on the front lines of the do nothing and complain about everything movement for years. They attempt to sabatoge any and everything the government does and does not do.

    This attitude has now officially cost the citizens of Racine. You are to blame.

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  44. If that is true please blame me and the others who talk A state Senator to kill the Sales tax.
    Yes a handful of us like like the few brave men at the Alamo or Walk Island fought so others could gather and win the day.

    KRM is so dead dead dead. Unlike Colt and the rest of us who not only are alive but are still fighting.
    Be far better and easier to have Pete kick us off The Post then claiming your well strange claims.
    Because if a handful can Stop KRM with the $$ Transit Now and J WAx has spent perhaps our next target will be Corry Mason his time has come to be fired

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  45. Opposing everything the government does is not like the Alamo. In fact, the Alamo was a display of courage, unlike what these I hate everything bloggers do.

    No solutions, inaction, and constant whining are not the hallmarks of this nation and certainly isn't what makes it great. It is the can do spirit that will get us out of this.....not the wah, wah, wah I keep hearing.

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  46. Can do? Can tax! Without respresentation that is. ANON 8:36 - don't let that old straw man get too wet when it rains tonight. Yes, we oppose EVERYTHING the government does. Conservatives and anarchists always go to the same meetings. This works out well anyway because the anarchist chicks are easy -

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  47. Mason looks like he is evolving into the kind of leader we need around here.

    If there ends up being a wheel tax then I guess we have the KRM opposition to thank for that one. It was never about the train for them, they just have a disdain for anything the government does.

    Voss and his blogger buddies can shove it. They aren't freedom fighters, they are attention whores that fail to lead.

    Voss is worthless. I think he would faint if he was actually forced to say the word "yes". No, no, no is all you ever hear from this guy. I could have voted in a 3 year old to do that. No solutions, only complaints.

    Thanks for the extra cost Voss and your Revolutionary Guard also known as the angry bloggers. You've almost ruined this town, but thankfully we have people like Mason willing to step up.

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  48. Taxation without representation? You stand for nothing, so you are thus well represented. I almost asked what ypu're complaining about, but then again why bother.

    The fact is that you are represented. Parameters are put in place to govern what can and cannot be done with the RTA.

    Next

    P. S. Thanks for making this cost more than it had to. Thanks for putting this cost on only residents with cars instead of a sales tax paid by all. Great move!

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  49. anon - why not just sell your car, (wont' have to pay a wheel tax) ride your bike (assuming you own one) to the train station and you'll be good to go.

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  50. This works out well anyway because the anarchist chicks are easy -

    And more then a few KRM backers

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  51. Voss should sell his car and hop on the train in Caledonia. Oh wait, there won't be a stop there I forgot.

    The day might come when they do and by that time it will cost a lot more. Another congrats to the haters.

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  52. I think for Colt my next targets is to remove Corry Mason from office, followed by stopping the Historical District.
    Since myself and a few others can stop the Juggernaut called KRM this stuff should be real easy.
    Thanks for helping me know how powerful a few can be.

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  53. "Parameters are put in place to govern what can and cannot be done with the RTA."

    You - and I assume it is always the same person making the most ridiculous statements - get funnier every day! Maybe we should have some "parameters" about the state budget or about not using taxpayer money to pay consultants to lobby the legislature and citizens (wait, that is already illegal but over $1 million spent and counting).

    Why are you complaining about car drivers getting screwed? What will you need a car for when you can hop on the train?

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  54. No referendum Why is that? If so many want it lets see. The train was packed in Kenosha? I find that hard to believe. I also don't believe that there is millions of dollars in developement around the train. There is not. Lots of vacant boarded up falling apart buildings along the route. Train stations smell like pee.

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  55. Face it Voss - you and your whiner crew were soundly defeated by those ready, willing, and able to move this town forward. While you thugs were out complaining, we were doing.

    And now your blind opposition to this project has cost the Racine car owner more than it should have.

    Good luck with that Senate run Voss. We're ready for your pathetic excuse for representation. Wah, wah, wah, and no, no, no don't cut it down here.

    Thanks again angry bloggers for the extra costs!

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  56. 10:05 I am so going to enjoy getting Mason out of office and when Gov Walker starts the work of removing KRM.
    Between the time it takes for the feds to say NO and the Court cases KRM will have to fight to go forward you just can not win this.

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  57. Voss needs to face a recall over this. We know he screwed Racine, but what has he done for Caledonia? With KRM, Caledonia will eventually participate, but at a higher cost. Not only did he oppose KRM, he didn't even have the decency to offer a viable counter proposal. F

    Caledonia needs new leadership.....someone that not only opposes, but offers solutions to our problems. We don't need whiners, we need solutions.

    He cost Racine citizens and will eventually cost Caledonia too. His partners in crime, the angry bloggers, should be ashamed of themselves and offer this town an apology.

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  58. Mason galvanized and energized his supporters. We're ready to go to bat for the man that went to bat for us. While you blog about it, we'll get it done.

    I think you should run colt. Let's see your platform for the destruction of Racine and hold it up to scrutiny. Not your thing? Then name some people with ideas.

    You cost me and every car owner in Racine more money than it had to for KRM.

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  59. IT'S AMAZING HOW THE ADDITIONAL COST TO THE RESIDENTS OF RACINE ARE BEING BLAMED ON THE BLOGGERS (WHO DON'T HIDE BEHIND THE ANONYMOUS NAME) AND ROBIN VOS. MASON AND LEHMAN ARE BOTH ON JOINT FINANCE FROM THE CONTROLING PARTY (democrats) THAT HELD THEIR SECRET MEETINGS WITH NO REPUBLICANS IN ON THIS. THIS IS THE DEMOCRATS BUDGET, ONE THAT WILL COST EVERYBODY ALOT OF MONEY, SO BLAME IT ON THEM !!! THEY HAD AND STILL HAVE THE POWER (in the Governor) TO STOP THIS. COMPLAIN TO AND ABOUT THE THEM, NOT THE PEOPLE THAT REALLY CARE.

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  60. Voss has declared war on the prosperity of the region. The more I think about this, the angrier I get. Who does this guy think he is?

    He is obviously working withe bloggers to undermine all efforts to improve this town. He's talking to bloggers that post his thoughts on this forum.

    What these bloggers don't realize is that they are being used. All Voss wants to do is run for higher office. He is power hungry and trying to create a wave of anger that he can ride. Disgusting.

    The way to know this is true is to look at his grandstanding and utter lack of anything even remotely looking like an alternative.

    A true leader would have drafted an alternate budget. A true leader would acknowledge transit issues and put forth alternate ways to get there, but no. He did none of those, essentially reffing from the sidelines, hoping for WI to fail so he could get promoted. That's treason against this city and state.

    The only plans Voss has for the future of WI involve his own career path.

    He has been smoking nope for too long. Time for rehab. Give me ideas or shut the f up.

    We see through your pathetic game Voss. The day of reckoning will soon be at hand. Bloggers wake up and demand ideas instead of complaints. Stop being used. It is embarrasing to witness.

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  61. Voss and his bloggers have caused an atmosphere of hatred for any improvement to the region that actually costs money.

    This caused Lehman to push for a rental car tax that would largely be paid by out of state visitors. Despite that, Voss and his bloggers still opposed KRM. They have shown their true colors at last. A sales tax made more sense asa funding mechanism, but Lehman couldn't do it because of the sales tax would have been easily exploited as a campaign issue by people like Vos and his angry bloggers.

    So what do we get? A rental car tax. Tough to argue with that if you live here. But not for Vos and the Racine hating bloggers.

    But the tax needs matching funds and thusthe potential for a wheel tax. So there it is folks. The atmosphere that Vos and the Racine hating bloggers like Colt, Urban Pioneer, Caledonia Unplugged, and Real Debate WI created this mess with the wheel tax.

    They all are to blame. They only care about Vos being elected and move up. We have all been betrayed. They won't even take responsibility for their actions.

    They oppose all investment and any improvement that will cost money (which is all of them). They live in a fantasy land where all investment is free and problems just fix themselves by not doing anything about them.

    These are not the leaders of tomorrow, they are the cancer of yesterday.....a yesterday they vigorously defend.

    The wheel tax is an end product of Vos and his bloggers relentless demonizing of investment and improvement. All while offering nothing viable in return.

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  62. You owe me money colt!

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  63. These bloggers are unreal. They complain about everything and then don't take responsibility for the fallout of their actions. You can't have it both ways.

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  64. Great news for KRM! This is exciting.

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  65. Dickhurt is also to blame!

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  66. RTA Updates Revenue Estimates as Economy Continues to Falter

    The Soaring Cost of Car Rentals

    If the Caledonia and/or Somers stations are not built, what are the revised ridership numbers?

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  67. How would the numbers change? According to Vos, colt and the rest of the haters..... Not at all!

    Nobody rides it remember? How dare you start thinking KRM could be successful!

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  68. C'mon colt, say it with me.

    Mason ROCKS!!!!!!!

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  69. Mason PWNED KRM haters

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  70. IF IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO WHY WOULD LEHMAN CARE IF IT BECAME A POLITICAL ISSUE? IS HE AFRAID HE WON'T GET RE-ELECTED??????? THAT IS THE WEASEL WAY OUT. TRUE LEADERSHIP IS DOING WHAT IS RIGHT FOR EVERYONE AND NOT SOME. THOSE OF YOU THAT COMPLAIN (albeit anonymously) CAN THANK LEHMAN, MASON, AND TURNER FOR NOT ADVANCING THE SALES TAX, THUS SAVING THE OUTLYING COMMUNITIES. QUIT BLAMING THE PEOPLE WITH NO CONTROL OVER THE VOTE AND START HOLDING THOSE ACCOUNTABLE WHO DO CONTROL THE VOTE.

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  71. Oh please Railway. You sent in letters to your reps....you flamed people on the JT and other blogs....you called and wrote to Vos.

    And now you want to run and hide from the consequences of what you did?!?!?

    I don't think so. Step up and take your medicine Racine haters. Wheel tax is on you!

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  72. THERE IS NOTHING ON ME NOR ANYONE ELSE WHO CARES TO NOY HIDE BEHIND THE ANONYMOUS LABEL. YOU JUST DON'T LIKE IT MANY OF US THINK FOR OURSELVES BECAUSE WE ARE INTELLIGENT ENOUGH TO DO THAT !!! YOU KEEP TRYING TO BLAME EVERYBODY ELSE BUT THE ONES WHO ARE AT FAULT. YOU TRY TO GET POLITICAL COVER AT THE EXPENSE OF SOMEONE ELSE. I WONDER IF YOUR NAME IS JOHN LEHMAN OR CORY MASON SEEING AS YOUR UNDER THE COVER OF DARKNESS AND BEING SECRET ????? JUST LIKE WHEN YOU GUYS MET TO DISCUSS THE STRATEGY ON HOW TO SHAFT THE TAX PAYING CITIZENS OF THIS STATE DURING BUDGET VOTING. THE TRUTH HURTS AND TRUE LEADERSHIP WILL PREVAIL AND IT WON'T BE THE LIKES OF MASON, LEHMAN,TURNER, OR DOYLE

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  73. "PWNED"? Does anyone besides these twelve-year-olds want to have a conversation?

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  74. Once again Railway decides not to take responsibility...how freakin noble of you.

    You complained. You moaned. You groaned. You fought against sales tax. Now that your wish has been granted, you don't want to take responsibility for what your actions created.....a wheel tax. Way to be an adult and set an example.

    All of you complainers are alike. You want to just complain the day away, but when it comes time to deal with the consequenses of your constant complaints you run and hide. As if being complainers wasn't bad enough.

    You aren't fooling anybody. Vos and his foul mood bloggers aren't going to ruin this town. He is an idealess whimp that has voted present during this historic economic time.

    The only thing Vos and his hate Racine first bloggers has lead is this region down the wrong path.

    Vos and his legions of complainers are dead weight. We're moving on, and forward. Don't dare show you're sorry self around here Vos. What a waste. You and your pathetic bloggers cost me more for KRM than it should have. Man up and own up.

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  75. Vos actually tried to read the yellow pages during session to philibuster. At least we now know he can read. While he may have the mental maturity of a 2 year old, at least he can read.

    Maybe if he spent that time coming up with solutions we wouldn't have the prospect of this wheel tax. Everyone in Racine owes Vos and his bloggers a big middle finger after they screwed us.

    Vos is a self serving tool. He only cares about elections. He had nothing to offer when the going got tough and the economy went bad. In fact, this disgusting maggot has sought to exploit our financial hardship into a political issue. He and his complaining bloggers only care about themselves no matter who or what they hurt in the process.

    With this state facing the worst economic situation in years, this coward sat it out and decided to complainfromthe sidelines. Coward.

    A real leader would have put up alternative solutions. But he didn't care about us. We shouldn't then be surprised that he and his angry bloggers don't care that they created a wheel tax.

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  76. Choo-choo on that for awhile Racine haters!

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  77. Hello, I'm Robin Vos. What's my solution to regional transit issues? That's easy! Complain about them until they go away. Meet my blogger slaves Caledonia Unplugged, colt, Urban Pioneer, Real Debate WI. They are here to do my bidding.

    Vote for me. I personally tried to undermine every idea that came up to get WI going again. If those ideas would have been sponsored by Republicans, then I would have thought they were great. I'm counting on you Racine to be as stupid as I think you are. I'm betting you won't see through my games and selfishness.

    KRM you ask? Well, I must oppose this idea because it might work. You see, if KRM is successful, then people like Mason and Lehman will look good. I can't have that now! They're Democrats after all. I'm bound by my party to oppose everything they do regardless of the result. If they are in power and WI is doing well, then I lose (which doesn't exactly fit into my immediate plans if you know what I mean).

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  78. All you bloggers just make me want to move out of the county. Holy crap - KRM is a mouthful of @#%*! I'll most likely never use it. Guess it's time to find a more reasonable community to survive in.

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  79. Poor baby!

    Thank the Racine hating angry bloggers for the wheel tax before you go.

    Meanwhile the rest of us are going to move forward and make things better with ideas and hard work....you know, the stuff that makes this country great. I can see why you and the angry bloggers wouldn't want any part in that.....it would require doing work and not just complaining and blaming all of your problems on the government.

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  80. Vos can't be trusted. This is insane.

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  81. For as much as Vos is terrible, it shows how good Mason did. Thanks Cory! Keep fighting for Racine! Don't let people like Vos stop you from sticking up for us.

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  82. Why wasn't something like this included in the original budget, the Joint Committee on Finance, the Assembly version, or the Senate version?

    I think more people would have supported a sales tax if a property tax decrease was mandated.

    How come this was added for the Milwaukee sales tax?

    From page 131 (printed page number 111) of the Legislative Fiscal Bureau Document.

    "Conference Committee: Adopt the Assembly provisions with the following modifications:

    a. If the 0.5% sales and use taxes are imposed, require Milwaukee County to indicate on each taxpayer's property tax bill the amount of the reduction in property taxes associated the requirement to remove transit expenditures from the property tax levy."

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  83. Do you really think the City will try to do a Wheel tax? Thinking more then one councilman would find themselves out of office. Then should one pass all one would have to do is register the car to another location.
    My question is when more and more money is needed for KRM (just like the Merta) how are they going to find that money?

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  84. Maybe you can call your buddy Vos and get some money out of him since it would be his tax.

    See what all of yours and Vos' constant complaining has led to? Sales tax would have been much more fair.

    Thanks alot colt and Vos!

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  85. Vos, with theses bloggers help has been working together against Racine and now we might get a wheel tax out of it.

    Vos should resign from office immediately.

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  86. Vos and his band of loyal bloggers want KRM and Racine to fail so they can say I told you so and run for Senate. We've all been had by their fake outrage and scheming. It's so clear now.

    He didn't propose anything on the budget when this State needed him the most. Instead of helping he sniped at every idea from the sidelines. He complained about clised door sesseions, but the question is, if Democrats were doing all the work then what was Vos doing with all that free time he must have had?

    The answer is organizing theses bloggers to complain about everything. While he could have been generating alternatives, he instead took the easy way out and complained, hoping he would become a champion for the people. His whole intention was to round up these bloggers (who he is in constant contact with as evidenced by conversations quoted in these blog responses) and snipe at every proposal hoping one would stick.

    He offered no plans in return so that he could not be scrutinized. That's not leadership, that's sabatoge. He wants Racine to fail for his own political aspirations. That's treason. These bloggers are willing accomplises, pushing his line, complaining, and not offering any solutions (which irrefutably proves they don't care).

    Then, when the results of their actions have possibly led to a wheeltax, they think we are stupid enough not to see their role.

    Vos is the most shameful politician in the legislature and he must now be stopped. We will not allow his continued assault on our city.

    KRM lives on and so does Racine. We will work hard to lift this city up and not tear it down like Vos and his bloggers.

    Everytime you hear wheel tax, send a thank you note to Vos, colt, Urban Pioneer, Caledonia Unplugged, Real Debate WI.

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  87. 8:36


    Please see a Doctor your current meds are not working. In the waiting room read your copy of the Blue Book so you know how the budget works.

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  88. Colt and Vos teamed up to deliver wheel tax and now deny all responsibility for the consequenses of their constant complaining.

    Why wasn't this funded by sales tax colt? Care to explain?

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  89. The Vos has his tongue

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  90. The train is a stupid idea. We do not have the funds for it. A wheel tax? People do not have the money.

    You want a train then give up Gateway or public schools or snow plowing for several years. Not acceptable then wait. Save up.

    THE COACH LINE WORKS JUST FINE. IT IS NOT BURSTING AT THE SEAMS SO WHY DO WE THINK THE TRAIN WOULD BE.

    The real trouble makers are the ones who want to jump head first damn the consequences and get a train. You are the ones who are responsible.

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  91. Colt is a Vosbot. He probably e-mailed him to get the official response.

    Theses bloggers are all the same. They refuse to take responsibility for anything. They think they can whine endlessly and that there is no consequence to it.

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  92. Anon 9:12 is part of the do nothing and it all gets better crowd. Great plan. Tell the Easter Bunny I said hi. Maybe he can give us a magic egg of goodness that solves all our problems tax free.

    Inaction has a cost too. Look around. If you don't like the Wheel Tax then write to Vos and let him know how you feel. Then send a note to the Racine hating angry bloggers.

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  93. When is Vos up for election? I'd be willing to volunteer against him. I'm just tired of this.

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  94. Dyde, Vos is so PWNED on this board lolzorz

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  95. Why wasn't this funded by sales tax colt? Care to explain?

    Sure
    1) NO ONE WANTS THE TRAIN OTHER THEN JOHNSON WAX
    2) West of the I given the sales tax would have voted Lehman out of office so John caved under the mighty Colt, and would not back it
    Good boy John have a cookie!
    3) The Dems in Madison even behind closed doors could not get a sales tax because of the hell it will bring their good little puppies Lehman and Corry Mason

    4) The Shills paid for I think by Transit Now and their masters at RCEDC and RAMAC started coming after the mighty Colt on the Wheel tax that has not yet nor will it be passed.
    5) By the time KRM gets done dealing with the coming court cases and other tactics we will see Scot Walker has Governor and the end and death of KRM
    Die KRM DIE

    Can someone please tell Transit Now that using tax funds to pay for consultants is I believe illegal, also can someone tell us why so much effort is being made to shut up the anti KRM Blogers could it be because we are having an impact?

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  96. Colt

    Thanks for proving the point of all of these people.

    You, Vos and the rest of the Racine hating bloggers created an atmosphere by which an investment project funded by a minimal sales tax increase was not politically viable. Finally you admit your guilt.

    Sales tax made more sense and was the right way to go but thanks to you and Vos and the pressure applied against sales tax we get rental car tax, which in turn will lead to wheel tax. Your fault.

    J-Wax? There is tons of support for KRM around this community. Face it, you will stop ar nothing to blame others for your problems. You refuse to man up and own the consequences of your actions.

    Lehman delivered a funding source that was primarily paid from travellors! Not you! And you still complained about it and this is before the wheel tax conversation. Wow! You, Vos and all of your whiney little blogger buddies gave us rental car tax and all that comes with it.

    Are you making an impact - yes! You are costing vehicle owners in Racine more for KRM than it should have by your constant complaining and desire for inaction on all fronts.

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  97. Vos really did try to screw us! Thanks for hanging in there John and Cory!

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  98. Pro-KRM = stupidity run wild.

    Spend money we can't afford in this time of fiscal calamity, make auto owners and renters financially responsible for something they won't use, send Racine residents out of town to spend thier money in Milwaukee or Chicago, lie about the true number of people that will use the KRM and the benefits our town will receive from it, and support two of the worst liberals ever to be elected to public office. Then have the audacity to complain about the people that are trying to stop this madness. By the way, when did Colt or any of these bloggers recommend to the Finance Committee to impose a wheel tax?

    I think the time is drawing near for an all out conservative vs. liberal war. It won't be labeled a "civil" war because, so far, I have not seen nor heard anything "civil" out of any of you leftists that support this KRM nightmare. Hopefully it will be a pretty one-sided war as well; you lefties don't believe in the 2nd amendment and therefore won't be able to defend yourselves. The only way the human body can fight off an infection is to totally eradicate it. We need to totally eradicate the liberal/socialist virus that is infecting our town and country.

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  99. Thanks for hanging in there John and Cory!
    How they do that? John refused to go with the Sales tax and Corry will do anything he thinks will get him to be Governor. \

    KRM will not get the Fed' blessing because the funding is not there.
    KRM will not get the ridership that Transit Now claims.

    WHERE are the jobs KRM will give us and why could we not drive to them?
    WHO is going to leave and arrive home hours earlier and later that using the KRM entails .
    If KRM has all this support why not a binding referendum? might it be because KRM knows it is not there?

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  100. My vetoes remove the Milwaukee Transit Authority but retain the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority and the $18 vehicle rental fee. This will at least allow important engineering studies for the Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee rapid rail system to move to the next step in the federal New Starts process. However, I strongly urge the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority to avoid full implementation of the new vehicle rental fee. I also respectfully request the Legislature to build on the positive steps it took in this budget on regional transit. Further efforts and legislation are needed as soon as possible to continue to make progress toward a truly regional transit system in support of economic growth.

    HA HA no KRM not even close

    Colt must have Governor Doyle in fear!

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  101. Doyle just gave the green light to KRM to move forward. Finally we're getting somewhere, much to the disappointment of Vos, Colt and the rest of the I Hate Racine bloggers.

    Conservative vs Liberal? Please! Vos represents you very well. He stands for nothing, has no ideas, and pulls off political stunts of a 2 year old by reading the yellow pages while in session. How ironic that he was reading the YELLOW pages. This guy is the ultimate coward. He ran and hid when his state needed him the most. No plans, no vision, only complaints.

    KRM is here and we're ready to work for this town and the future, not calmly sit back and do nothing while things deteriorate. Yeah, that's real patriotic.

    Welcome to the future whiners. Watch us work while you sit and whine. Vos and the angry bloggers have delivered the possibility of a wheel tax as a consequence of their actions. Racine auto owners owe more for KRM than they should have because of you.

    No more voting present Vos. Give us ideas or shut up. Bloggers, stop being sheep for this worthless sack. He has already ruined your reputation with this wheel tax. Its not too late to demand more from your chosen one.

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  102. Anon 11:17

    anti KRM = Stupidity of Stagnation

    translated so you can understand.....you're stupid if you think doing nothing makes this town better

    all the whiners complain, complain, complain

    where is there alternate solution to regional transit? Just in....Vos says the solution to Racine's problems is to pretend they don't exist!

    The attitude that Vos and his blogging buddies have will ruin this city's future if we don't put a stop to it.

    Vos gave us wheel tax. He used his influence to killthe more fair sales tax. Now we get to reap the "benefits" of that Einstein like decision.

    Wake up bloggers. Stop being tools. This man is using you all. No alternate budget, but he has the stones to criticize this one. Un-freakin real. Two-faced, treasonous coward.

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  103. Lets get this going' Racine has nothing going for it anyway' Just a giant ghetto' no good paying jobs, a bunch of flaming alcoholics who have nothing, but sure do have money for booze. Drug dealing goes on in the open, cops do nothing to stop it' sitting around on your porch smoking weed is acceptable. This is throughout the city, West Racine used to be nice but now has nothing but ghetto trash due to the fact that so many people are moving out and landlords rent to anyone just to get the rent. So what are we losing out on by approving the KRM? Maybe we may get some economy in this town, instead of having to drive way the hell into Illinois just to have a job that pays more then this crappy minimum wage you can't live off of. How many more jobs have to be lost & businesses have to close before something is done? BRING IN THE TRAIN!

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