State Treasurer Matt Adamczyk (Photo: Andrew Beckett)
Wisconsin’s state treasurer is fully backing the latest attempt to eliminate his office from state government.
Lawmakers have reintroduced a constitutional amendment that would get rid of the treasurer’s office. State Rep. Michael Schraa (R-Ohskosh), a sponsor of the proposal, told a legislative committee Tuesday that the office is not longer needed because many of its duties have been moved to other state agencies. “Simply put, time has passed this old position by…the position is now symbolic in nature – a relic of the past.”
Current state Treasurer Matt Adamczyk agreed, telling lawmakers that they should approve the amendment and send it to voters. He said “it is my belief that the office of state treasurer…is not needed, and is simply a waste of taxpayer money,” adding that he hopes to be the last person to serve in the position.
The office, along with the Secretary of State, has seen many of its core duties shifted to state agencies. Most recently, its oversight of the state’s unclaimed property program was given over to the Department of Revenue. Currently, the only real function of the office is to serve on the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands, along with the Secretary of State and Attorney General. The amendment would have the Lt. Governor replace the Treasurer.
This is the seventh consecutive session the amendment has been introduced, although it has consistently failed to gain approval in both chambers. It would have to pass two consecutive sessions before going to voters statewide for approval.