10/29/07-Gov. Jim Doyle put his signature on a two-year, $57 billion state budget that includes a 30 percent increase in registration fees for large trucks.
After more than three months of haggling, the Assembly voted 60-39 to approve the 1,633-page budget bill. Senate lawmakers followed suit on an 18-15 vote. Doyle signed the spending plan Friday, Oct. 26, with few changes.
One of the numerous fee increases is projected to generate $57 million during the next two years. The registration fee for all trucks traveling Wisconsin roads will rise by 30 percent.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2008, owners of the largest trucks would pay as much as $2,560 in annual registration fees, up from $1,969.50 – an increase of $590.50.
The jump in cost would hit all trucking operations that use Wisconsin roads, regardless where they are base-plated. The fee would be based on the percentage of a truck’s mileage racked up in the state.
Annual registration fees for passenger vehicles would increase from $55 to $75. Commercial vehicles weighing less than 4,000 pounds would have annual registration rates increase from $48.50 to $75. Trucks between 4,500 and 6,000 pounds would see rates go from $61.50 to $84. Trucks between 6,001 and 8,000 pounds would have to pay $106, up from $77.50.
Included in the budget bill is a provision long sought by transportation advocates. It prohibits the governor from diverting money from the state transportation fund for other uses.
Another provision in the budget includes funding for the state’s Diesel Idle Reduction Grant Program. It also includes exemptions from emission inspections for vehicles of model years ranging from 1967 to 1995, and vehicles of model year 2007 or later that are powered by diesel.
The budget also prohibits building a weigh station in Rockland off Interstate 90. In addition, it includes up to $80 million in state borrowing to help start passenger rail service between Madison and Milwaukee. The project still needs federal approval.

10/25/07-Wisconsin lawmakers reached agreement this week on a two-year, $57 billion state budget that includes a 30 percent increase in registration fees for large trucks. Gov. Jim Doyle is expected to sign it Friday, Oct. 26.
After more than three months of haggling, the Assembly voted 60-39 to approve the 1,633-page budget bill. Senate lawmakers followed suit on an 18-15 vote.
Trucking industry officials in the state had reservations about the first boost in truck fees in about 10 years, but they believe it is a better option than some alternatives discussed during the budget negotiations.
Two of the fee increases account for $109 million during the next two years. The vehicle title fee will jump 86 percent – accounting for $52 million. Registration fees for all trucks traveling Wisconsin roads will rise by 30 percent – adding up to $57 million.
By the first of the year the largest trucks would pay $2,560 in annual registration fees, up from $1,969.50.
Annual registration fees for passenger vehicles would increase from $55 to $75. Commercial vehicles weighing less than 4,000 pounds would have rates increase from $48.50 to $75. Trucks between 4,500 and 6,000 pounds would see rates go from $61.50 to $84. Trucks between 6,001 and 8,000 pounds would have to pay $106, up from $77.50.
Included in the budget bill is a long-sought provision for transportation advocates. It prohibits the governor from diverting money from the state transportation fund for other uses.
Another provision in the budget includes exemptions from emission inspections vehicles of model years ranging from 1967 to 1995, and vehicles of model year 2007 or later that are powered by diesel.
The bill also would prohibit building a weigh station in Rockland off Interstate 90. The state Department of Transportation couldn’t add traffic lanes on Interstate 94 adjacent to Wood National Cemetery in Milwaukee.
In addition, it includes up to $80 million in state borrowing to help start passenger rail service between Madison and Milwaukee. The project still needs federal approval.