When Gov. Scott Walker famously rejected $810 million in federal funding for high-speed rail, he not only rejected thousands of family-supporting jobs, but left taxpayers on the hook for millions of dollars.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Talgo filed a $65.9 million claim against the state for unpaid invoices and interest, lost business, defamation, and maintenance work. Talgo also claims an additional $70 million it borrowed for train sets, but never took possession of.
Federal aid for high-speed rail would have covered up to 90% of the state’s costs, reducing annual operating costs to $750,000. Scott Walker’s shortsightedness continues to cost Wisconsin taxpayers to the tune of $136 million – a figure that could have covered 181 years of the state’s share of rail maintenance.
“This is what happens when the governor of your state isn’t interested in fighting for middle-class families,” Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate said Thursday. “Whether it’s high-speed rail or Medicaid expansion Gov. Walker’s record is notorious for forcing taxpayers to pay more to receive less.”
