Assembly votes to protect transportation fund

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The Wisconsin Assembly has passed a constitutional amendment designed to prevent lawmakers from raiding money from the state transportation fund to pay for other items.

It passed the Assembly on a bipartisan 82-13 vote.

If it clears the Senate again this session, it would then go to voters for their consideration in the November 2014 election.

Under the Republican-authored amendment, any money the state collects through the gas tax, fees imposed on driver's licenses and titling vehicles must be deposited in the transportation fund. Once in the fund, the money could not be used for any program that isn't run by the state Department of Transportation.

Former Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle diverted $1.3 billion from the fund to pay for schools and other expenses.