CAPITOL CONNECTION: Just Ask Joe: State 23 and mandatory auto insurance

For this week's column focus, I am pleased to return to the “Just Ask Joe” format in which I address specific questions from local constituents regarding state government issues or programs. Today, I will respond to questions about the expansion of State 23 and the new mandatory automobile insurance law.

State 23 – Progress continues to move forward on the planned four-lane expansion of State 23 between Plymouth and Fond du Lac. As I continue to advocate for the proper up-front planning of this important roadway, I am pleased to report that, in response to input and encouragement from local citizens and elected officials, WisDOT has agreed to build an interchange at State 23 and County G. The original plan was for a complex “j-turn” intersection that would have been difficult to navigate for commercial and personal traffic.

I was happy to assist with this request and I applaud WisDOT for listening to the many local citizens and elected leaders who had expressed concerns over the State 23/G intersection as originally drawn. Our concerns were that this was simply not the best option for safety and local economic growth in this heavily used stretch of highway and we’re thankful that WisDOT ultimately agreed with the local assessment of the situation. While the final design of the State 23/G interchange has yet to be finalized, WisDOT is expecting that a familiar diamond-style interchange will be utilized at the location.

When planning a transportation project of the scope of the State 23 expansion, it is important to get it right the first time. Had WisDOT simply moved forward with the original plan, it is highly likely that we would have been back at the drawing table a few years after completion discussing expensive modifications to accommodate safety concerns and local business growth in eastern Fond du Lac County. Again, it is critical that we get this right the first time. Planning continues to move forward and I understand the final environmental impact study will be completed in the near future. Construction for the expansion of State 23 through Fond du Lac and Sheboygan counties is set to begin in 2013 with completion in 2015.

Mandatory automobile insurance – As of June 1, any individual who registers or operates a motor vehicle in Wisconsin must maintain a liability insurance policy covering each of their active vehicles on our roads. Any person who violates this mandatory insurance requirement may be required to pay a forfeiture of up to $500. In addition, drivers are required to carry proof of insurance/compliance in their vehicle. If you are pulled over and do not have this proof of insurance, you may be subject to a forfeiture of $10. A police officer may not, however, stop or inspect a vehicle solely to determine compliance with auto insurance requirements.

While this new law has some merit, I do not believe this policy item should have been approved as part of the state's fiscal budget. In addition to this change, the legislators who approved the state budget also increased the mandatory minimum amounts of liability coverage, increased the mandatory minimum amounts of uninsured driver coverage, mandated coverage for underinsured drivers and allowed for the “stacking” of up to three auto insurance policies. Many insured citizens are experiencing dramatic increases in their auto insurance policy rates due to these new mandates. Again, these major policy items were approved as a part of the state budget and received very little public or legislative discussion. This was wrong and I therefore voted against these changes.

If you have questions about a state program or any other state government-related issue, contact me and I will consider addressing it as a part of “Just Ask Joe.”

As always, it has been a pleasure communicating with you. Please remember to communicate with me and share your input by calling 888-295-8750, writing to me at P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707-7882, or by e-mailing me at Sen.Leibham@legis.wi.gov. You can also log on to the 9th Senate District online office at www.leib hamsenate.com.

It is an honor representing the residents of the 9th District in the state Senate.