MADISON, Wis. Gov. Tommy G. Thompson says he would go along withlowering Wisconsin's drinking age, but only to age 20 and not if itreduces federal highway construction funds.
A legislative committee recommends reducing the minimum drinkingage to 19 if Congress ends the threat to withhold highway funds fromstates whose minimum age is less than 21.
Thompson said he doubts Congress will rescind the requirement.If it does, he does not think a new minimum age should include teens.
The Assembly's State Affairs Committee endorsed a bill Tuesday7-3 to lower the age to 19.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation calculates thatreducing the age with the federal rule in force would cost the state$9 million the first year and $18 million each subsequent year.
"Until the federal government acts, I don't see much reason toget excited about the bill," Thompson said.
Rep. Scott Klug (R-Wis.) is sponsoring a bill to cancel thefinancial penalty. The bill was delivered Feb. 2 to a Housesubcommittee whose chairman is Rep. Thomas E. Petri (R-Wis.).
Opponents of Wisconsin lowering its age argue it would increasehighway traffic as young people from neighboring states ride toWisconsin taverns.
Gov. Edgar would object to an adjoining state lowering its age,spokesman Eric Robinson said.
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