Wisconsin’s state treasurer is calling on lawmakers to act quickly on a proposal that would eliminate his job and the office of secretary of state.
An Assembly committee signed-off on the constitutional amendment in October, but there has been no movement on it since then. State Treasurer Kurt Schuller wants lawmakers to act before the session ends in mid-March. Schuller, who ran on a pledge to eliminate the two offices, says he “owes it to his supporters” to do all he can to get the task accomplished this year.
Schuller says he’s unsure why lawmakers have yet to act, but he does not believe anyone has been trying to bury the proposal.
Since it is a constitutional amendment, the bill would need to pass two consecutive sessions of the Legislature before going to a statewide vote.
If lawmakers fail to pass the amendment before the end of this session, Schuller says he will use the remaining two years of his term to push for more power to be returned to his office and the secretary of state.
A spokesman for Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Horicon) says the proposal is still on their radar, but it has not been discussed in caucus. Also, since a similar proposal has not been introduced in the state Senate, getting it approved in both houses by the end of next month could be difficult.
If his proposal does not advance, Schuller says he still plans to stand by his campaign pledge to only serve one term as treasurer. Although, he says a run for another office is something he would consider.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:04)
