On August 13, 2024, Wisconsin voters will decide on two constitutional amendments that could significantly alter the balance of power between the governor and the legislature. These Republican-backed measures stem from an ongoing political struggle that began when Democrat Tony Evers defeated Republican Scott Walker in 2018. If a majority of voters say yes to them, the measures will become part of the Wisconsin Constitution.
Urban Milwaukee’s Data Wonk breaks down these two proposed amendment questions on the August 13 ballot. Let’s start with Question 2, the easier of the two to understand.
Question 2, entitled “Allocation of Federal Moneys,” would give the legislature veto power over the governor’s allocation of federal funds. The potential impact is illustrated by recent Knowles-Nelson Stewardship projects that were delayed (and ultimately rejected) by the Joint Finance Committee, including Ozaukee County Land Trust‘s Cedar Gorge Clay Bluffs project and Milwaukee’s Modrzejewski Playfield upgrade. Governor Evers eventually secured federal funds for these projects, but under the proposed amendment, this workaround would likely be impossible. Critics also argue this amendment could slow emergency responses to crises.
Question 1, entitled “Delegation of Appropriation Power,” would add to the Constitution that the legislature cannot give away its power to decide how money is spent. Urban Milwaukee’s Data Wonk notes that while the aim of Question 2 is clearly partisan—to shift power from the Democratic governor to the Republican Legislature – the aim of Question 1 is unclear.
Supporters of these referenda (including the MacIver Institute, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, and the Badger Institute) seem unwilling to explain the practical implications of Question 1. Both amendments, if passed, would raise concerns about the separation of powers, a fundamental democratic principle.
Turnout for the August election is expected to be low, and supporters of the amendments believe that will favor Republicans. Opponents to the referenda include the the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, Wisconsin Conservation Voters, and the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin.
Featured image by Kate Sumbler, 2008.
