-
Sen. Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse)
With majority Republicans in the Legislature preparing to take up a number of controversial proposals in the coming weeks, Democratic leaders expressed frustration Tuesday about an agenda they argued does not match up with what the people of Wisconsin are calling for.
During a Capitol news conference, Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) accused the GOP of having an “insatiable appetite for power” that is frustrating many voters in the state. She cited concerns about a number of proposals, including a proposed ban on research using aborted fetal tissue, an overhaul of the state’s civil service system, and an expected proposal that would replace the state Government Accountability Board with a new agency overseeing state elections.
Shilling and other Democrats argued the Legislature should be taking on issues like restoring funding to transportation and public schools, which she said is what most of her constituents mention. “When I go to the grocery store, that’s what people stop and talk to me about,” she said.
AUDIO: Sen. Jennifer Shilling expresses frustration over Republican priorities (2:08)
Republican leaders countered that their agenda does include many pieces of legislation their constituents have asked for.
A spokeswoman for Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) called it “simply untrue” that voters do not care about issues such as the sale of fetal body parts or abuse of power by a state watchdog agency. Myranda Tanck said “Senate Republicans have regularly heard from constituents on these issues and will continue to work to address their deep concerns.”