A Minneapolis law firm is trying to rally legal troops in Wisconsin against a piece of the Governor's budget. Dan Biesdorf of Biesdorf and Associates says the proposed budget would allow Wisconsin to limit how much it must pay attorneys representing landowners in eminent domain cases.
Under eminent domain laws, the state can seize a person's property for its own use. Landowners often find themselves fighting in court or asking for the government for more money that what's being offered.
Biesdorf says owners would have increasing difficulty in finding legal help because lawyers would apprehensive take on cases with these limitations. Legal fees may actually turn out to be higher than their award, under this change. He says the DOT backed proposal creates more incentive for property owners to accept an initial offer from the state.