Voters are a step closer to getting a chance to weigh in on whether Wisconsin should still have a state Treasurer and if lawmakers will need a super majority to raise taxes. The state Assembly on Tuesday approved two proposed constitutional amendments addressing the issues, sending them to the state Senate for first consideration.
The amendment eliminating the state Treasurer’s office passed on a 67 to 32 vote. It’s an issue that’s been talked about for years, along with getting rid of the Secretary of State, as the Legislature has slowly stripped the offices of any real duties or power. Republicans plan to introduce a separate amendment next year to dump the secretary’s post.
A proposal requiring a two-thirds majority in both houses before state sales and income taxes could be raised passed on a party line vote. The so-called “super majority” is already a state law for tax increases, but the Republicans who passed it want to make sure the requirement is not repealed by a future Legislature.
Both measures still need Senate approval this spring. They would then have to be approved again next session, before going to voters in a statewide referendum.