File photo: WRN
The state Senate has given first approval to a proposed constitutional amendment that could eventually eliminate the state Treasurer’s office.
The proposal passed the chamber on a 20-13 vote Wednesday, with Milwaukee Democrat Tim Carpenter joining all Republicans in supporting the proposal.
Backers of the move say it will help save the state money by eliminating a constitutional office whose duties have dwindled over the years. The only real responsibility of the office is to serve on the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands, after management of the state’s unclaimed property program was moved to the Department of Revenue.
The amendment still needs approval from both chambers of the Legislature next session, before it would appear on a statewide ballot for voters to consider.