Plan For Funding Road Repairs Stalls In Assembly

A bill that would let counties raise their sales tax to pay for road repairs stalled in the state Assembly Tuesday night.

Normally, when Republicans schedule a bill for a vote, it’s all but certain to pass. That didn’t happen with the road repairs bill, a proposal that would let counties ask voters for permission to temporarily raise the sales tax by 0.5 percent to pay for road repairs. The tax would expire after four years.

Earlier in the day, Republican sponsor Rep. Dean Knudson of Hudson had sounded confident the bill would pass: “The beauty of this bill is that it maintains our principles as Republicans,” he said.

But in an unusual move, Republicans adjourned without voting on the measure.

A spokeswoman for Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said discussions continue on the plan. It could be taken up before the Legislature ends its spring session next week.