Wisconsin's Republican-led legislative finance committee has approved an increase in annual electric vehicle registration fees, raising them from $100 to $175. This move places electric vehicle registration costs significantly higher than those for gasoline-powered vehicles ($85) and hybrids ($75). Democrats expressed concerns that the higher fees could deter consumers from purchasing electric vehicles, potentially hindering the state's transition towards cleaner transportation. Representative Evan Goyke voiced his apprehension, stating that he doesn't want to create obstacles for individuals choosing electric vehicles.

The Legislative Fiscal Bureau projects that this fee increase will generate an additional $3.3 million for Wisconsin's transportation fund over the next two years. This decision is part of a broader GOP-supported transportation budget that also includes a 2% increase in public transit funding, shifting its source from the transportation fund to the state's general fund. The general fund supports a wide array of programs, including education, local governments, and Medicaid. The transportation fund will continue to cover expenses such as road maintenance, airports, harbors, and the Wisconsin State Patrol. Historically, since 1973, public transit funding has been drawn from the transportation fund. Democratic committee members raised concerns that this shift could jeopardize future transit funding by placing it in direct competition with other budgetary priorities. Senator Kelda Roys argued that this budgetary move, despite the 2% increase, could ultimately lead to the decline of public transit in the state.

The committee aims to finalize the budget by the end of June. Following this, Governor Tony Evers, a Democrat, has the authority to modify the budget using partial vetoes or return it to the legislature for further revisions.