Wisconsin’s Governor Tony Evers has once again proposed a controversial plan allowing voters the power to repeal and establish state laws without needing legislative approval. This initiative has faced immediate disagreement from Republican leaders in the Legislature, hinting that it may be dismissed for a second time. The proposal was introduced on the opening day of the Legislature’s two-year session, where Republicans continue to hold the majority, albeit at its smallest size since their takeover in 2011.
As Evers enters his seventh year in office, the relationship between the governor and the Republican-controlled Legislature is expected to remain unchanged. Any proposals the governor wishes to pursue will require legislative approval, maintaining the current dynamic. Evers is reviving a proposal from the past that empowers voters to enact laws without legislative backing. He stated his intention to include a requirement in the upcoming state budget that legislators must consider a constitutional amendment allowing voters to initiate ballot proposals aimed at repealing existing state laws as well as creating new legislation.
In his previous attempt in 2022 to secure the repeal of Wisconsin’s 1849 abortion ban through a similar voter initiative, Evers’ proposal was swiftly rejected by Republicans. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos was quick to dismiss the new plan, highlighting that it seems to be part of Evers’ agenda to diminish the power of elected legislative members. Vos expressed concern that if Evers remains focused on this objective, it could hinder collaboration and consensus building.
Moreover, Republican Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu advised the governor to concentrate on tax reductions and downsizing government rather than pushing for measures that could be divisive. The Republican Party controls the Assembly with a 54-45 margin and boasts an 18-15 lead in the Senate as the new session kicks off. Notably, the current assembly features six new state senators, all from the Democratic Party, and nearly a third of assembly members—31 lawmakers—are newly elected, with 23 being Democrats. These newcomers now constitute the majority of the 45-member Democratic caucus.
While some lawmakers have expressed hope that the diminished Republican majority could facilitate increased compromise, they do not appear willing to back Evers’ proposal for voters to directly influence legislation. Wisconsin is among 24 states that lack mechanisms for citizens to reject or create statutes without legislative involvement as per Ballotpedia.
Evers criticized Republican lawmakers for ignoring public sentiment, particularly regarding issues such as marijuana legalization, the abortion ban, gun control measures, and funding for education. He noted that instead of empowering voters, the GOP has been enacting policies through constitutional amendments. Evers argued that Republican lawmakers should extend to voters the same opportunities that citizens enjoy in 26 other states regarding legislative action.
To amend the constitution, proposed measures must pass through the legislature in two successive sessions and then be approved by a statewide referendum, a process in which the governor does not participate. Since 2010, Republicans have sought voter approval for seven constitutional amendments, with three gaining ratification in the year 2024 alone. Among these were two amendments aimed at limiting the use of private funds in election management and one preventing foreign nationals from voting.
This month, Republicans also intend to finalize another amendment that would constitutionally enshrine the state’s voter ID requirement. The Senate is anticipated to pass this measure shortly, followed by a vote in the Assembly the next week, paving the way for the question to be placed on the ballot for the upcoming April election.
Gun control advocates gathered at the Capitol coinciding with the start of the legislative session to urge lawmakers to take meaningful action, particularly following a tragic incident involving a shooting by a 15-year-old in December at a private school in Madison that resulted in multiple fatalities, including both a teacher and a student. Evers had previously called a special session in 2019 with the aim of implementing gun control measures, such as universal background checks, but faced inaction from Republicans.
In September 2022, Evers reconvened a special session to consider a constitutional amendment akin to his latest proposal, which aimed to safeguard abortion rights following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. However, the Republicans concluded that session in less than 30 seconds, illustrating the ongoing tension and inaction surrounding critical legislative issues.
