Budget adds transit funding

Gov. Tony Evers' list of campaign promises from 2016 included a general pledge to increase public transit funding.

His proposed budget made good on that and several provisions made it through the Republican-controlled Legislature as well.

The Department of Transportation reported a total of $6.9 million in public transit increases in 2020-'21 compared to the previous two years.

• * Transit operating aids to municipalities around the state — 2% increase compared to the prior biennium (additional $2.8 million)

• * Paratransit aids — 10% ($550,000)

• * Aids for seniors, disabled individuals — 10% ($3 million)

• * Transportation for tribal elders — 10% ($79,200)

• * Employment and Mobility Program — 75% ($500,000)

Evers' veto message also noted there was an additional $75 million in one-time funding for local transportation projects, and transit projects are among the possible uses.

We rate this Promise Kept.