Wisconsin Republicans are seeking to limit the governor’s authority to unilaterally allocate federal funds, a response to the significant amount of money that entered the state during the COVID-19 crisis. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers had discretion over most of the funds, directing them primarily towards small businesses and economic development projects, which frustrated Republicans who believed that the Legislature should have oversight. As a result, there are two related constitutional amendments on the ballot for voter approval in the Aug. 13 primary election. These amendments would not only impact Evers but also all future governors and any federal funds received by the state without specific spending requirements, often provided in emergency situations like disasters.
Opponents of the amendments, including Democrats and various advocacy groups, argue that the proposed changes represent a legislative power grab that could impede the ability of governors to swiftly respond to future emergencies. On the other hand, supporters, including Republicans, argue that these amendments are necessary to provide a check on what they perceive as the governor’s broad powers. According to Republican State Sen. Howard Marklein, the changes aim to enhance accountability, efficiency, and transparency in governance.
The constitutional amendments have passed twice in the GOP-controlled Legislature, as required by law, and now await voter approval before they can become part of the state constitution. The governor does not have the authority to veto constitutional amendments. Early in-person absentee voting for the Aug. 13 election has already started across the state and will continue until Aug. 11, with varying locations and hours for voting available.
Wisconsin Republicans have increasingly turned to constitutional amendments approved by voters as a way to circumvent Evers’ veto power, as he has vetoed more bills than any other governor in state history during his second term. The latest effort to limit the governor’s spending authority reflects the ongoing power struggles between Republicans and Evers over the extent of legislative influence. The push for these changes also arises from past disputes, including a recent case won by Evers in the Wisconsin Supreme Court regarding the Legislature’s control over conservation program expenditures.
Since 1931, Wisconsin governors have had the authority to determine the allocation of federal funds, a power granted by the Legislature during the Great Depression. Calls for change intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic when the state received $5.7 billion in federal aid, with only $1.1 billion tied to specific spending guidelines. Republicans have advocated for greater oversight of these funds, especially after a nonpartisan audit in 2022 revealed lack of transparency in Evers’ decision-making process for fund allocation.
If the amendments pass, the Legislature would be able to establish regulations governing the handling of federal funds, enabling them to adjust the rules based on the governor in office or the purpose of the funds. This setup would grant the Legislature the authority to determine whether certain categories of federal funds necessitate approval before being spent by the governor. Opposition to the amendments comes from voting rights groups, the Wisconsin Democratic Party, and various liberal organizations, while support in the Legislature has been mainly from Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce and the Badger Institute, a conservative think tank.
