The Senate's 23-10 vote Tuesday means the Republican-authored measure is now two steps from becoming law. The state Assembly must pass the bill. It would then go to Gov. Jim Doyle, who can sign it into law or veto it.

The bill would also move up by one month a planned penny cut in the portion of the tax that goes toward environmental cleanup projects.

Opponents countered the bill would shortchange the $3.2 billion transportation fund by $5.1 million in the two-year budget that began July 1. They said the cuts would come at the expense of rural districts, delaying needed road projects.