Lottery Windfall Money Should Be Dedicated for Local Road Aids

Lottery Windfall Money Should Be Dedicated for Local Road Aids

‘This is a once in a lifetime opportunity’

(MADISON) – State Senator Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee) today said he is introducing legislation that will direct the state’s share of the recent $768.4 million lottery win by a Wisconsin resident to be dedicated directly for use in local road improvement projects.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity not only for the lucky West Allis winner, but it’s also a once in a lifetime opportunity for the state,” Carpenter said. “When the state collects its income taxes for this win, I want it to be directed to funding Local Road Aids. It’s one of the top issues I hear from constituents the most – the shabby condition of many of our local roads.”

“This bill would put that money directly into addressing one of our most pressing needs without the need for increased taxes,” said Carpenter. “The non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau estimates that of the state tax liability that results, if the winner takes the $477 million lump sum payment, that would be a $36.5 million windfall for Wisconsin.”

“That $36.5 million should be dedicated to local road aids,” Carpenter said. “This is a tremendous opportunity for the state to be wise in using that sudden influx of money for an issue we all care about – the improvement of our local roads all around the state.”

Carpenter indicated his legislation is already being drafted and will be ready for introduction shortly.

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