A state senator wants to eliminate the offices of lieutenant governor and secretary of state in order to save money. Alan Lasee (R-DePere) says with the state's current fiscal problems, cutting the positions would save more than $2.5 million over two years. He plans on introducing a constitutional amendment. The DePere Republican says he is not targeting the two Democrats who hold the posts, adding he's introduced the proposal in the past when Republican Scott McCallum held the office
Lasee calls the offices of the lt. governor and secretary of state "archaic." He says the job of secretary of state includes keeping a record of official acts and "keeping the great seal of Wisconsin." The GOP senator believes the state department of administration could easily take over the duties.
In order to amend the constitution two consecutive sessions of the legislature would have to approve Lasee's proposal. From there it would go before voters in a statewide referendum.
Contributed by Mike Kemmeter-WHBY
AUDIO: Brian Moon reports (MP3 :61)
