Wisconsin Republicans hope to increase speed limit to 70

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Republican lawmakers hope their bill aimed at increasing Wisconsin's interstate speed limit to 70 mph will race its way through both chambers.

Republican Rep. Paul Tittl, of Manitowoc, and Republican Sen. Devin LeMahieu, of Oostburg, said Wednesday that they anticipate newly elected senators will support raising the speed limit from its current 65 mph.

The Assembly approved the 5 mph hike last year, but the measure died when senators declined to back it. Both houses were Republican-controlled, as they are now.

Tittl and LeMahieu say the bill will be introduced next week and they hope to pass it by the end of March.

Sen. Jerry Petrowski, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, says he thinks support for the measure will come down to concerns over safety issues.