The Wisconsin Supreme Court recently delivered a significant 6-1 ruling concerning the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program that has far-reaching implications for the state’s legislative process. The decision has prompted responses from legislators across party lines.
At the heart of the court’s ruling, the Republican-controlled Joint Finance Committee (JFC) cannot legally block conservation spending by the Governor’s administration. The court found that the committee’s power to review purchases after funds had been appropriated interferes with the executive branch’s core functions, violating the separation of powers, reported the Pierce County Journal.
Republican legislators, particularly those on JFC, have expressed disappointment and concern over the ruling. Rep. Mark Born, Assembly Chair of JFC, stated that the decision “undermines the committee’s role” and removes a crucial layer of accountability. Born emphasized the need to find alternative ways to achieve similar goals in the future, reported Fox 47.
According to The Center Square, in response to the ruling, Born acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, “Going forward, we’ll have to look at other ways that we can accomplish the similar goals.”
However, he did not specify what these alternative approaches might entail.
In a joint statement, Born and Sen. Howard Marklein, co-chairs of JFC, warned that the entire stewardship program could now be in jeopardy. They argued that the provisions struck down by the court had ensured wise spending of taxpayer resources and local community involvement in important projects.
On the other side of the aisle, Democratic legislators have welcomed the court’s decision. Sen. Kelda Roys, a member of JFC, described the ruling as a step in the right direction, asserting that Republicans in the legislature had been exceeding their authority unconstitutionally.
Roys also countered the Republican claim that the stewardship program is now at risk, saying, “If the stewardship program is in jeopardy, that’s because the Republicans are unwilling to fund it, even though it’s incredibly popular.”
She emphasized that the legislature still retains control over the program’s funding.
CBS 58 reports that Governor Tony Evers, who initiated the lawsuit, hailed the decision as a victory for the people of Wisconsin, asserting that the ruling “rightfully resets constitutional checks and balances and restores separation of powers.”
As the dust settles on this ruling, it’s clear that Wisconsin’s political landscape is in for some significant changes. While Democrats celebrate this win for conservation efforts, Republicans face a setback in their attempts to obstruct environmental initiatives.
Featured image by Warren LeMay, 2023
