No Free Rides

Last month, news broke that Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) faced a $10.9 million deficit. Investigative reporting revealed that more than 8 million riders per year board MCTS without paying their fare. One in three riders are not paying for their rides on MCTS. Estimates indicate that this represents more than $10 million in lost fares, a similar total to MCTS's operating deficit.

MCTS receives more than $57.3 million in federal funding annually. Federal funds are intended to strengthen and sustain public transportation, not to compensate for avoidable revenue shortfalls caused by lax fare enforcement. 

This week, I joined colleagues in introducing the No Free Rides Act. This bill requires local transit agencies that receive federal funds to enforce fares on transit systems nationwide.

I joined Fox 6 to discuss this bill and the need to protect taxpayer dollars. You can read more here or watch our interview below.

I want to hear from you:

Standing up for Wisconsin Students

Last week, investigative reporting revealed that the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction failed to take significant action against more than 200 sexual misconduct and grooming cases from 2018 to 2023. During this period, DPI allowed teachers accused of misconduct to turn in their license in lieu of a full investigation and failed to publicly disclose the scope and magnitude of these cases.

This is absolutely unacceptable. Students should be safe in schools and should never be victim to harassment or assault by a teacher. Students, parents and taxpayers deserve answers as to why DPI engaged in these policies and what steps will be taken to ensure accountability in Wisconsin.

This week, members of the Wisconsin delegation wrote to the Governor requesting he provide oversight of DPI and bring safety and transparency to Wisconsin schools.

You can read out letter below or at the link here.

Shutdown Continues

Today, the government shutdown entered day 24. This is the longest full federal shutdown in U.S. history.

Prior to the shutdown, the House voted to pass a continuing resolution (CR) to keep our government open and important programs funded. I supported this resolution and believe the shutdown should have been avoided. However, the Senate has still not passed this proposal to fund the government. The Senate is continuing to hold votes to reopen the federal government.

Yesterday, the Senate voted on the Shutdown Fairness Act. This bill would pay our military, federal law enforcement, and federal employees who are working during the shutdown. I support this legislation. Unfortunately, this bill also failed to pass the Senate, meaning that members of our military, federal law enforcement, and other federal employees will miss their next paycheck.

This is wrong. I am continuing to work to support Wisconsin families and reopen the federal government. I have also asked that my pay be withheld for the duration of the federal shutdown.

I also recently introduced legislation to end government shutdowns permanently. You can read more about this legislation here.

The impacts of the federal shutdown continue to build. I joined CNN to discuss the need to reopen our federal government and prevent funding for important programs from lapsing.

This week, Wisconsin announced that funding for SNAP will expire at the end of this month and reporting highlighted that important workforce development programs will run out of funding beginning in November. The House voted to fund these programs in September. The Senate still needs an additional seven votes in order to reopen the government and fund these important programs. 

I spoke with WISN 12 to discuss the impact of the federal shutdown. It is critical for the Senate to vote to reopen our government and fund these important programs. You can watch our interview below or at the link here.

As always, feel free to contact my office if you have any questions, want to share an opinion, or are having trouble with a federal agency.

On Wisconsin,

Bryan Steil
Member of Congress

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