January 27, 2017

Working for you!
 

Transportation Audit Results Released

The non-partisan Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB) released the results of an audit of the State Highway Program this week. This audit was requested by the legislature to identify cost-savings, efficiencies, and to ensure that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is appropriately managing taxpayer money. The State Highway Program covers major highway projects and the Southeast WI megaprojects, rehabilitation projects of existing highways, and maintenance work. I am still reviewing the results of the audit, but there are two main areas of concern that stand out:

(1) WisDOT did not accurately account for inflation when giving cost-estimates to the legislature. This means that the 16 ongoing major highway projects cost $3.1 billion more than cost estimates given to the legislature when the projects were enumerated. For the 19 major highway projects completed from January 2006 through December 2015, the costs were $772.5 million higher than the original cost estimate at enumeration. This is unacceptable, and it is another example of why constant oversight of government bureaucracy is needed.

(2) The condition of our roads is deteriorating. The audit reported that the number of highways rated as "good" has decreased from 53.5% to 41% over the years, which is below the national average.

One of my greatest responsibilities as your representative is to be a good steward of your money. That is why I support the Assembly's call for new cost estimates from the DOT so we can have a complete picture of the costs of road projects. The request includes:

  • A full review of the cost estimates for all ongoing mega and major highway projects that are planned or budgeted for the 2017-19 and 2019-21 biennia
  • A review of all project proposals not yet enumerated
  • A comprehensive report on all projects since 2010 documenting the estimated costs and the total actual costs.

·        Despite the faulty cost-estimates the legislature received, it is clear that the legislature must take action to address our deteriorating roads, and we must make reforms at the DOT to prevent these errors from happening again.

You can read the Assembly's call for new cost estimates here.

You can read the highlights of the LAB audit here.

You can read the full LAB audit here.

Tour of UW-Oshkosh College of Nursing

This week, I had the opportunity to tour the UW-Oshkosh College of Nursing (CON). Skilled nurses are in great demand in Wisconsin, and the CON educates the most baccalaureate-prepared nurses in the state. I appreciate the tour and look forward to working together to address the health care needs of our citizens.

"Like" Representative Murphy's Facebook Page

In an effort to continually engage with you on important topics facing the state, I launched a Facebook page. Please like it by clicking here!

I use Facebook to update constituents more frequently on my work in Madison and the 56th Assembly District. I look forward to using this as another way to connect with constituents and encourage you to follow it and watch for regular updates.

"Like" Representative Murphy's

Official Facebook Page

 

Welcome!

I live in Greenville, but have an office at the State Capitol in Madison. If you are in downtown Madison, please feel free to stop by and say hello! Just go to the information desk in the rotunda, and they can direct you on how to find my office, 318 North. At the bottom of each e-update, you'll see my office contact information.

If your school or group plans to tour the Capitol building, please let me know in advance. I'd love to visit with you for a few minutes and take a group photo.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.

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Rep.Murphy@legis.wisconsin.gov State Capitol Room 318 North - PO Box 8953, Madison, WI 537088 Toll Free: (888) 534-0056 or (608) 266-7500