GOP Bill Would Block Any State Funding For Milwaukee Streetcar

Republican legislators are circulating a bill that would prevent the state from giving transportation funding to a planned Milwaukee streetcar system.

Three GOP representatives from eastern and northern Wisconsin — Jesse Kremer, Romaine Quinn, and Cody Horlacher — announced Tuesday they’re seeking co-sponsors for the measure. So far, the state has not set aside any funding for the project, something that at least one lawmaker has acknowledged.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said the legislators should worry more about borrowing for state roads “that is going to cause state taxpayers to pay additional costs for years.”

The planned Milwaukee streetcar would run for a few miles downtown and on the east side, although later expansion is possible.