Wisconsin to Vote on Limiting Governor’s Partial Veto Power
In a significant political maneuver, Wisconsin’s state Assembly has approved a measure that would let voters decide on amending the state’s constitution. The proposed amendment seeks to restrict the governor’s partial veto power, particularly to prevent the creation or increase of taxes and fees—a move directly influenced by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ controversial veto in 2023 that allowed school districts a significant extension on raising property taxes.
The Assembly passed the joint resolution on a party-line vote, responding to what Republicans called Evers’ “400-year veto,” which they blame for the highest property tax bills since 2018. This decision will place a pivotal question before the electorate in the upcoming November ballot.
Voters will decide if the Wisconsin Constitution should be changed to “prohibit the governor, in exercising his or her partial veto authority, from creating or increasing or authorizing the creation or increase of any tax or fee.” This partial veto power, unique to Wisconsin since 1930, has been modified through the years by nine constitutional amendments.
During the Assembly discussions, Rep. Amanda Nedweski, R-Pleasant Prairie, argued, “Evers’ 2023 veto will tax seniors out of their homes and push the dream of home ownership further out of reach for young families.” She expressed optimism about the amendment’s approval by voters.
Democratic legislators defended Evers’ veto, suggesting it was necessitated by the Republicans’ reluctance to sufficiently fund public education. Meanwhile, Republicans have also passed a bill to eliminate the extended school funding increases starting in the 2027-28 school year, though this bill remains subject to a veto by Evers.
Quiet Passage of Online Sports Betting Bill
In a less contentious but notable development, the Wisconsin Assembly quietly approved a proposal to legalize online sports betting. This decision follows prolonged debates and internal conflicts. The amended bill introduces a “hub and spoke” model, where tribal property servers manage bets placed via personal devices.
The proposal faced delays due to a diverse array of opponents, including conservative groups, large gambling companies, and the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL), which raised legal concerns. WILL attorney Dan Limington criticized the bill as “sneaky” on social media, suggesting it requires a constitutional amendment and arguing it unfairly favors tribes.
The bill now moves to the Senate, where its future remains uncertain.
Controversy Over Sandhill Crane Hunt Amendment
A heated debate unfolded in the Assembly after Republicans inserted an amendment for a sandhill crane hunt into a bill on wake boating regulations. This move provoked strong objections from Democrats, who chanted “shame!” at the alteration.
Rep. Deb Andraca, D-Whitefish Bay, criticized the amendment as “gamesmanship” and questioned its relevance. She remarked, “In all of my years when I was waterskiing and doing water sports, I’ve never seen a sandhill crane water ski.”
Rep. Shae Sortwell, R-Two Rivers, countered by stating that sandhill cranes’ habitats near water justified the linkage between wake boat regulation and crane hunting.
Following the bill’s passage, Democratic members protested by having their votes recorded individually against the combined legislation.
Additional Legislative Actions
Lawmakers were busy on Thursday, passing several notable bills, including:
- A ban on local “rights of nature” ordinances, now awaiting the governor’s approval.
- A bill allowing victims of “sextortion” to sue perpetrators, passing overwhelmingly with a 95-1 vote.
- Legislation to add state funds to newborns’ federal investment accounts, known as “Trump accounts.”
- Age restrictions for certain digital apps and social media platforms.
Some votes were postponed to Friday, after which lawmakers aim to adjourn for the year.
