In a move that underscores ongoing tensions between Wisconsin’s executive and legislative branches, Governor Tony Evers has dismissed a series of Republican-backed bills, one of which sought to restrict federal health care funding to undocumented immigrants. The governor’s decision reflects broader debates over immigration and state policy.
Evers criticized the legislation, suggesting that it was engineered to address “problems they admit do not exist, all for the sake of trying to push polarizing political rhetoric.” This bill, passed by the state Senate in November, aimed to ensure no public funds would be allocated for health care coverage for undocumented individuals. Although current Wisconsin laws already prevent these individuals from enrolling in BadgerCare, Republicans voiced concerns about potential changes from the state Department of Health Services via administrative rule changes. More details can be found here.
In his veto statement, Evers highlighted that the bill’s authors were aware that existing laws already barred undocumented residents from accessing BadgerCare. He remarked, “These basic but important admissions by its own co-authors underscore that Republicans’ decision to pass this bill was more about being inflammatory, stoking fear, and sowing division than it was about accomplishing any significant policy outcome or being prudent stewards of taxpayer dollars.”
Representative Alex Dallman, R-Markesan, expressed bewilderment at Evers’ strong veto rhetoric, especially since the bill had garnered support from three Senate Democrats. Dallman suggested that the Democratic Party, including Evers, is being swayed by the “far left.” He remarked, “It’s just unfortunate that Evers, who claims to be more middle-of-the-road as a governor, once again proves he’s looking out for the far left.” He further argued that the bill was essential for protecting taxpayer funds.
Republicans have voiced apprehensions about the Department of Health Services potentially altering enrollment rules for BadgerCare following a July ruling by the Wisconsin Supreme Court that expanded state agencies’ rulemaking powers. More about this ruling is available here.
Other vetoes include bills to ban guaranteed income programs, allow for more election lawsuits
Gov. Evers’ veto spree included nine bills, tackling various issues from building codes to higher education and election procedures. Among the vetoed measures was legislation aiming to overhaul unemployment benefits and prevent local authorities from instituting guaranteed income schemes, a move Evers opposed due to its restrictions on local governance.
He also rejected a proposal intended to facilitate court appeals for individuals whose election complaints were dismissed by the Wisconsin Elections Commission. This move followed a Supreme Court decision that found a complainant lacked legal standing to appeal. In response, State Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, claimed that Evers’ veto implies that commission decisions “can never be questioned by anyone.” More on the lawsuit can be found here.
Additionally, Evers vetoed a bill that would have postponed updates to Wisconsin’s building codes, which currently adhere to standards set in 2015. The updates had been delayed by Republicans until the Supreme Court ruled that indefinite postponements were unconstitutional. More information on the court’s decision is available here.
