Leaders React to KRM Budget Outcome

October 25, 2007

Elected and business leaders recognize the value of KRM and
the importance of reaching consensus on a funding source very soon.

Below is a sampling of the views of key leaders.

"While we are not happy with the outcome of a very frustrating budget process, it is still one more step in the legislative process to keep the train moving. Major projects are never easy, simple or advance without opposition. We are very grateful for the strong support and leadership of the Democratic Assembly and Senate Leadership and strong regional support. We will continue to advance KRM as a component of a comprehensive regional transit plan and funding solution. The train is still on the tracks!
       - Julia Taylor, President, Greater Milwaukee Committee

"A modern, fully-integrated transportation system that serves our City and our region is critical to Milwaukee's economic health and vitality.  The KRM remains an important part of my multi-modal transit vision for Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin, and we should continue to search for a comprehensive funding solution for this effort."
       - Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett

"So many folks in the Racine community have been wonderfully supportive of KRM.  We still have hopes of moving this project forward."
       - State Senator John Lehman

"While I am extremely disappointed by the partisan opposition to KRM, I am pleased to see that efforts to find a solution continue. KRM would create thousands of jobs and revitalize entire communities, which is why it has such strong support from the business community and local leaders. This could be the single biggest economic development tool for all of SE Wisconsin. We can't afford to give up now."
       - State Representative James Kreuser

"We are very disappointed that KRM was not included in the state budget. Our economic success as a business and as a region lies in better connecting communities and individuals in the Milwaukee-Chicago corridor. We consider KRM a great value, and a key to growth in the region and we're committed to keep working to get it done."
       - Chip Brewer, SC Johnson, Director of Worldwide Government Relations

"Let's put metro Milwaukee on the map by getting better connected to the powerful Milwaukee-Chicago economic corridor-and getting people to family supporting jobs. We cannot give up on KRM commuter rail. This is a once in a generation opportunity that we must grab hold of and build consensus for a comprehensive funding source".
        - State Representative Christine Sinicki

"We are not deterred by this setback. KRM is too important to the economy of this region to let it slip away. KRM is a huge priority for businesses in SE Wisconsin and we fully intend to see it become a reality."
        -Jerold Franke, President, WISPARK, LLC

"We still have open windows of opportunity to make KRM a reality. Finding a workable funding source will be a top priority to ensure the success of this effort."
        - State Representative Jeff Stone

"From a business perspective, we'll try anything we can to keep KRM going."
        - Roger Caron, President, Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce