Another effort to restrict the governor’s veto power. The legislature has acted in the past to rein in the veto powers of Wisconsin governors, but state Senate President Fred Risser says legislators need to assert themselves again. The Madison Democrat is author of a proposed constitutional amendment (SJR 61) to prohibit governors from vetoing part of a bill section without rejecting the entire section.
“The governor should not have power to make laws through innovative vetoes,” Risser told colleagues during Senate debate Tuesday. “The governor has a right to veto, say no, but he doesn’t have the right to make laws, and the current structure of our veto power gives the governor the opportunity to make laws.”
Neenah Republican Mike Ellis backed Risser and said the issue transcends partisan concerns. “They’re stripping away the authority of the state legislature,” Ellis said. “I think this is a step in the right direction.” The measure passed on a 21-12 vote. As a constitutional amendment, it will need to pass two consecutive sessions of the legislature and statewide referendum.
Bob Hague (:60 MP3) AUDIO: Bob Hague reports (:60 MP3)