Land trusts to seek more Stewardship funds after state Supreme Court decision
Land conservation groups say they expect to see more funding requests under the state’s land purchase program now that the Legislature’s finance committee can’t legally block conservation projects.
Data Wonk: Why Those Proposed Amendments to State Constitution?
Why did Republicans craft them? And why did choose August election for the vote?
Supreme Court Ruling Reshapes Knowles-Nelson Grant Process: What You Need to Know
The recent Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling has reshaped the landscape for conservation funding in the state. With the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program up for reauthorization in 2025, it’s crucial to understand these changes and their broader implications.
Knowles-Nelson Gets Its Day in Court
The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program lawsuit on Wednesday, April 17th, 2024.
Legislature can’t block conservation funds, Wisconsin Supreme Court rules
In a 6-1 decision, the court ruled that the Republican-controlled budget committee violated the state constitution by blocking Knowles-Nelson funds for land stewardship projects.
State’s high court rules Legislature can’t block conservation funds after they’ve been budgeted
The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that the Joint Finance Committee’s use of its power to block state spending on land conservation projects after the money has been budgeted is unconstitutional.
Court rules for executive branch
The WI Supreme Court rules 6-1 that the executive branch has the authority to spend Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program dollars already budgeted for without the Joint Finance Committee’s oversight.
Wisconsin Republicans are improperly blocking conservation work, court says
Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled in favor of Governor Tony Evers, stating that the Republican-controlled Joint Finance Committee (JFC) cannot block conservation projects initiated by the governor’s administration.
Lawmakers unconstitutionally blocked conservation funds, court rules
The Wisconsin Supreme Court declared the Republican legislature’s ability to veto conservation projects as a violation of the state’s separation of powers.
GOP committee overstepped authority by blocking governor, state Supreme Court finds
Governor’s lawsuit argued GOP committees violated Wisconsin Constitution.
