On Tuesday, Wisconsin voters will decide whether to limit the governor’s power to spend federal money. This decision stems from a long-running power struggle between Democratic Governor Tony Evers and the Republican-controlled Legislature over how Evers used federal COVID-19 aid.
Governor Evers had control over more than $4.5 billion in federal pandemic aid, which he used to support health care, small businesses, education, and child care. However, some criticized his administration for not being clear about how they made spending decisions.
Since 2021, Republicans have tried to pass laws to restrict the governor’s spending power, but Evers vetoed those bills. However, if voters approve a constitutional amendment, the governor cannot veto it.
The ballot has two questions:
Question 1: Should the Wisconsin Constitution be amended to prevent the Legislature from delegating its authority to make spending decisions? (This practice started in the 1930s during the Great Depression.)
Question 2: Should the governor be required to get approval from the Legislature’s budget committee before spending federal money?
Republicans support voting “yes” on both questions, arguing that it would make the government more transparent. They believe there are currently no checks and balances on this type of spending.
Democrats and liberal groups oppose the measures, saying a “no” vote will protect the governor’s ability to respond quickly during emergencies. They view the proposed amendments as a power grab by Republicans that could lead to legislative gridlock.