Wisconsin Republican legislators are voicing opposition to the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) request for a substantial increase in funding for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. The DNR has proposed $100 million annually for ten years, more than tripling the current $33 million yearly budget, prompting intense debate over conservation spending and legislative oversight, reported The Center Square.
For the DNR’s request to make it into the state budget, it requires approval from the GOP-controlled Joint Finance Committee (JFC). In July 2024, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled 6-1 against the JFC in a lawsuit brought by Governor Evers, declaring the committee violated the constitutional separation of powers by blocking Knowles-Nelson funds for stewardship projects.
In response, Rep. Mark Born, co-chair of the JFC, claims “the entire program is now in jeopardy.”
Born criticized the court’s decision and the governor’s involvement in a statement to WTMJ, saying, “It’s unfortunate that Governor Evers’ lawsuit removed all accountability from the stewardship program, which helped ensure local voices were heard and that taxpayer resources were spent wisely.”
However, the court’s decision means that while the legislature can create agencies and allocate funds, it can’t reject executive spending decisions without changing the law. The ruling ended the JFC’s practice of anonymously blocking conservation projects, which had previously halted millions in funding for land purchases and easements.
Sen. Mary Felzkowski expressed that the DNR’s lack of a secretary for nearly a year could impact its ability to secure funding increases, reported Wisconsin Public Radio. Additionally, some Republicans legislators continue to argue that the program removes private lands from tax rolls and contributes to state debt.
Governor Evers will release his budget proposal in early 2025. The Joint Finance Committee will then write its own version to be passed by the legislature and sent back to Evers, who can amend it with his partial veto power before signing it into law.
Featured image by Nick Olejniczak, 2011
