Shilling says Republicans ‘own’ Wisconsin roads problem

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The top state Senate Democrat says Republicans “own” the problem of coming up with a way to pay for improving Wisconsin’s roads.

Senate Minority Leader Sen. Jennifer Shilling said in an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday that it’s not up to Democrats to come up with a plan to plug a projected $1 billion transportation budget shortfall.

Shilling says “Republicans own this. They own this Legislature right now. I don’t think it’s up to the minority party to have all the answers.”

Republicans have been fighting among themselves over how to pay for roads. Gov. Scott Walker has insisted he won’t raise taxes, while some Assembly GOP leaders say it must be considered.

Republicans return to the Statehouse next year with their largest legislative majorities in decades.