County Board Committee approves free Election Day transit

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- On Tuesday, the Milwaukee County Board Transportation and Transit Committee approved a resolution providing free transit to the polls on Election Day.

The resolution reads:

"A resolution encouraging Election Day turnout in Milwaukee County through the provision of no-cost bus service and paratransit trips to polling places on November 8, 2022; and allocating $63,000 from Org. Unit 1940-1945 Appropriation for Contingencies to Org. Unit 5600-5683 Milwaukee County Transit System to cover costs related to providing no-cost service to transit and paratransit passengers."

Fifteenth District Supervisor Peter Bregelis advanced the proposal, noting studies showing that in 2020 disabled voters were less likely to vote than non-disabled voters.

"Transportation was a major factor in their decision not to vote on Election Day," Bergelis said.

Sixty-three thousand dollars was the cost estimate from MCTS on the proposal.

Ninth District Supervisor Patti Logsdon voted no, citing the need for fiscal responsibility amid a county budget crunch.

"I know both Democrats and Republicans offer rides to the polls for people that can't make it. So, I'm going to have to say no to this, because we are spending monies we don't have to spend," Logsdon said.

The resolution passed 4-1 and will go before the full board later this month.