"Everything should be on the table to fix this problem," Vos said in a recent meeting with reporters where he discussed the issue. "I prefer not to negotiate by drawing hard lines in the sand like Governor Walker does."

Delaying projects is expensive and has ramifications on the economy and public safety, Vos said.

"If we care about creating jobs, we have to at least say we have to get this done," Vos told reporters. His "No Easy Answers" document argued that "Transportation is a bigger concern for job creators looking to locate a business than Right to Work, tax incentives or environmental regulations."

The state's roads budget is funded with money generated through the gas tax and vehicle registration fees. With more drivers turning to fuel-efficient vehicles and driving fewer miles, revenue has dropped.

The problem has been known, and ignored, for years. A special commission created by the Legislature that included members of Walker's administration studied the problem for two years and issued a report in 2013.

It warned then that "continuing the status quo level of investment will result in serious worsening in the condition and safety of state highways, increased urban highway congestion and reduced service levels for public transit."