Wisconsin gridlock between Democratic governor, lawmakers
5 years, 2 months ago

Wisconsin gridlock between Democratic governor, lawmakers

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — A tumultuous week that put on full display the partisan agendas of Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Republicans started and ended an Evers-called special session on guns within seconds, taking no action, and they fired an Evers Cabinet secretary as the scowling governor watched from the floor of the Senate. Tim Cullen, a former Democratic state senator who crossed party lines to serve in the Cabinet of a Republican governor, said the gridlock was “bad for Wisconsin.” “As I see the problem, there are no outer boundaries beyond which partisanship doesn’t go any more,” Cullen said. Democratic Assembly Minority Leader Gordon Hintz said he hoped inaction by Republicans would lead to voters ousting Republicans, as happened in Virginia this week after GOP lawmakers there refused to take up gun control legislation. Evers on Friday announced he was once again calling it a “holiday tree” and said the theme for decorating it was “celebrating science.” The partisan fighting with few tangible results frustrates people who want and expect the Legislature to address issues that are important to the state, said Schultz, the former Republican lawmaker.

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History of this topic

Wisconsin Supreme Court grapples with governor’s 400-year veto, calling it ‘crazy’
3 months ago

Wisconsin Supreme Court grapples with governor’s 400-year veto, calling it ‘crazy’

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Justices on the Wisconsin Supreme Court said Wednesday that Gov. When legal scholars and others look at what Wisconsin courts have allowed relative to partial vetoes, “they think it’s crazy because it is crazy,” said Justice Brian Hagedorn. It is a mess of this court’s making.” The initial reaction from anyone would be that a 400-year veto …

Wisconsin Supreme Court will hear a challenge to governor's 400-year school funding veto
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Wisconsin Supreme Court will hear a challenge to governor's 400-year school funding veto

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Tony Evers’ partial veto that locked in a school …

Lawsuit asks Wisconsin Supreme Court to strike down governor’s 400-year veto
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Lawsuit asks Wisconsin Supreme Court to strike down governor’s 400-year veto

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Attorneys with Wisconsin’s largest business lobbying group asked the state Supreme Court on Monday to strike down Democratic Gov. Wisconsin’s partial veto power was created by a 1930 constitutional amendment, but it’s been weakened over the years, including in reaction to vetoes made by former governors. The Wisconsin Supreme Court, then controlled by conservatives, undid three of …

Wisconsin Supreme Court agrees to hear governor’s lawsuit against GOP-controlled Legislature
11 months, 1 week ago

Wisconsin Supreme Court agrees to hear governor’s lawsuit against GOP-controlled Legislature

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear Democratic Gov. Rebecca Bradley, in her dissent, accused the majority of “needlessly engulfing this court in the morass of politics.” “By accepting only one of the issues raised by the Governor and holding the other two issues in abeyance, the majority refashions this court as the Governor’s avenue …

Wisconsin Republicans seek to curtail governor’s veto power
11 months, 1 week ago

Wisconsin Republicans seek to curtail governor’s veto power

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Republicans proposed a constitutional amendment Wednesday that would curtail the governor’s veto powers by prohibiting a veto to increase any tax or fee. Tony Evers used his partial veto in July to increase school funding for public schools for the next 400 years. Republicans proposed a similar amendment in 2019 after Evers used his partial veto …

Wisconsin’s Democratic governor sues Republican Legislature over blocking basic functions
1 year, 2 months ago

Wisconsin’s Democratic governor sues Republican Legislature over blocking basic functions

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Evers said it was “a bridge too far” and “just bull s---” that Republican state lawmakers were telling 35,000 University of Wisconsin employees who were expecting pay raises to “stick it.” “You can’t do that,” Evers told reporters at a news conference. “That’s why we’re suing and that’s why we’re going to win.” Evers …

Wisconsin Senate votes to override Evers’ 400-year veto and his gutting of tax increase
1 year, 3 months ago

Wisconsin Senate votes to override Evers’ 400-year veto and his gutting of tax increase

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Republicans who control the Wisconsin Senate voted Thursday to override three of Gov. Tony Evers’ vetoes, including one that attempted to enshrine school funding increases for 400 years. Republicans had the necessary two-thirds majority to override the vetoes in the Senate and did so in a series of 22-11 votes along party lines, but they don’t have …

Wisconsin Assembly Republicans pass sweeping redistricting reform, but likely veto awaits
1 year, 3 months ago

Wisconsin Assembly Republicans pass sweeping redistricting reform, but likely veto awaits

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin’s Republican-controlled Assembly passed a sweeping redistricting reform plan Thursday that takes the power of drawing maps out of the hands of lawmakers and gives it to nonpartisan staff. Democrats, suspicious of Republican motives, urged opposition to the proposal, saying it’s all a ruse designed to circumvent the newly liberal-controlled Wisconsin Supreme Court from throwing out the …

Wisconsin governor’s 400-year veto angers opponents in state with long history of creative cuts
1 year, 6 months ago

Wisconsin governor’s 400-year veto angers opponents in state with long history of creative cuts

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin’s governor attempted to lock in a school funding increase for the next 400 years by issuing a partial veto that angered his Republican critics and marks the latest creative use of the unique gubernatorial powers in the state. Jim Doyle, “but he’s got ’em.” Wisconsin governors have the most expansive partial veto power in the country …

Wisconsin’s Democratic governor guts Republican tax cut, increases school funding for 400 years
1 year, 6 months ago

Wisconsin’s Democratic governor guts Republican tax cut, increases school funding for 400 years

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers signed off on a two-year spending plan Wednesday after gutting a Republican tax cut and using his broad veto powers to increase school funding for centuries. Under his veto, unless it’s undone by a future Legislature and governor, Evers said schools will have “predictable long-term spending authority.” “There are lots of wins here,” …

Wisconsin Republicans try to skirt vetoes, let voters decide
2 years ago

Wisconsin Republicans try to skirt vetoes, let voters decide

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Republican lawmakers are moving quickly in the opening days of the legislative session to work around Wisconsin’s Democratic Gov. “It is unfortunate that Republicans have already put forth several proposals to circumvent and strip Governor Evers of his executive powers,” Minority Leader Sen. Melissa Agard said in a statement sent to The Associated Press. Two other proposed …

Abortion ban changes split Wisconsin GOP under veto threat
2 years ago

Abortion ban changes split Wisconsin GOP under veto threat

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Republicans who control the Legislature are divided over whether to push for rape and incest abortion exceptions in the face of Democratic Gov. “I think it’s the right public policy and I think it’s where the public is.” His position puts Vos at odds not only with Evers, but also with fellow Republican Senate Majority Leader …

Wisconsin Gov. Evers opposes GOP flat income tax cut plan
2 years ago

Wisconsin Gov. Evers opposes GOP flat income tax cut plan

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers is promising to veto any flat income tax cut plan passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature, favoring instead his proposal to reduce taxes for the middle class by 10%. Evers, in an interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday, came out against an idea being floated by Republican Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu that …

Can Wisconsin Gov. Evers and GOP Legislature work together?
2 years, 1 month ago

Can Wisconsin Gov. Evers and GOP Legislature work together?

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Can newly reelected Democratic Gov. “But it certainly could also be an opportunity to fight and disagree over how to use the money.” Both sides have staked out priorities, not all of which conflict, but neither faction has shown much of an ability to work together, with Evers vetoing more than 120 bills over the past four …

Wisconsin Gov. Evers defeats foe he called democracy threat
2 years, 2 months ago

Wisconsin Gov. Evers defeats foe he called democracy threat

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Michels favored disbanding the state’s bipartisan elections commission and had promised to sign bills vetoed by Evers that would make it harder to vote absentee. Evers also noted that he is frequently described as boring, but said: “As it turns out, boring wins.” Evers said his victory was a win for reproductive rights, public schools, clean …

Wisconsin Democrats put abortion in spotlight
2 years, 3 months ago

Wisconsin Democrats put abortion in spotlight

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin’s Republican-controlled Legislature took mere seconds on Tuesday to reject Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ call to create a way for voters to get a chance to repeal the state’s 1849 abortion ban, even as Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson voiced support for letting the people decide the issue. A Marquette University Law School poll last month showed …

Wisconsin Democrats put abortion in spotlight
2 years, 3 months ago

Wisconsin Democrats put abortion in spotlight

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Tony Evers' call to create a way for voters to get a chance to …

Wisconsin governor challenged to stop all inmate paroles
2 years, 3 months ago

Wisconsin governor challenged to stop all inmate paroles

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Michels has been hitting Evers as being soft on …

Wisconsin’s conservative high court hands GOP another weapon
2 years, 6 months ago

Wisconsin’s conservative high court hands GOP another weapon

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin’s conservative-controlled Supreme Court handed Republicans their newest weapon to weaken any Democratic governors in the battleground state, ruling this week that political appointees don’t have to leave their posts until the Senate confirms their successor. The court’s decision — in the case of a conservative who refused to step down from an environmental policy board for …

Wisconsin Gov. Evers says GOP will ban books if he loses
2 years, 7 months ago

Wisconsin Gov. Evers says GOP will ban books if he loses

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers said Wednesday at a ceremony kicking off Pride Month that if he loses reelection in November, Republicans will take the “breathtaking” step to ban books, particularly those related to the LGBTQ community. Evers made his comments after a ceremony outside the state Capitol where a progress pride flag was raised symbolizing the …

Wisconsin Democrats renew call for votes on gun safety bills
2 years, 7 months ago

Wisconsin Democrats renew call for votes on gun safety bills

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Democrats renewed calls Wednesday for the Republican-controlled Legislature to take up a pair of gun safety bills that were rejected without any debate just over two years ago. The bills would institute a universal background check for gun sales and implement a “red flag” law that would allow judges to take guns away from people determined …

Wisconsin Republicans vote not to endorse for governor
2 years, 7 months ago

Wisconsin Republicans vote not to endorse for governor

Associated Press  

MIDDLETON, Wis. — Wisconsin Republicans voted Saturday not to endorse anyone for governor ahead of the GOP primary in August, with former Lt. Gov. “I want Republicans to win and we can’t do that if our party is fractured,” he said. “My race is literally about the truth versus lies and distortion.” Divisions within the Republican Party have been a …

Wisconsin governor vetoes Republican election bills
2 years, 9 months ago

Wisconsin governor vetoes Republican election bills

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin’s Democratic Gov. The bills are part of a nationwide Republican effort to reshape elections following President Joe Biden’s victory over Donald Trump. In vetoing the eight bills, Evers told lawmakers that “The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy; it should not be subject to the whim of politicians who do not like the outcome …

Wisconsin Gov. Evers' reelection pitch: democracy is at risk
2 years, 11 months ago

Wisconsin Gov. Evers' reelection pitch: democracy is at risk

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “I don’t think he’s exaggerating when he talks …

Wisconsin Gov. Evers’ reelection pitch: democracy is at risk
2 years, 11 months ago

Wisconsin Gov. Evers’ reelection pitch: democracy is at risk

Associated Press  

JANESVILLE, Wis. — Wisconsin’s Democratic Gov. “I don’t think he’s exaggerating when he talks about what’s at stake and the fact that he’s the last line of defense to a lot of these things happening,” said Democratic state Rep. Gordon Hintz. Evers isn’t the only battleground Democrat making the argument, particularly in the so-called “blue wall” trio of states — …

Wisconsin GOP leader: ‘Zero chance’ of taking over elections
3 years ago

Wisconsin GOP leader: ‘Zero chance’ of taking over elections

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — A top Republican lawmaker in the presidential battleground state of Wisconsin said Friday that there is “zero chance” the GOP-controlled Legislature will take over the awarding of the state’s 10 presidential elector votes in 2024, even as Democrats worry that is their goal. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos told The Associated Press in an interview that he also …

Wisconsin lawmakers send anti-abortion bills to governor
3 years, 2 months ago

Wisconsin lawmakers send anti-abortion bills to governor

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Assembly gave final approval Wednesday to a package of anti-abortion bills, many of which Democratic Gov. One bill, which Evers vetoed in 2019, would impose criminal penalties on doctors who fail to give medical care in the extremely rare circumstance in which a baby is born alive following an abortion attempt. “This is simply …

Wisconsin remains a priority state for redistricting
3 years, 7 months ago

Wisconsin remains a priority state for redistricting

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin remains a priority state for a Democratic group focused on redistricting that is backed by former President Barack Obama, even though Republicans can’t draw and enact whatever maps they want like they did 10 years ago. Eric Holder, Obama’s former attorney general who has run the National Democratic Redistricting Committee since it was created in 2017, …

Wisconsin high court: Governor can’t limit business capacity
3 years, 8 months ago

Wisconsin high court: Governor can’t limit business capacity

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that Gov. The Supreme Court ruled 4-3 on Wednesday that the order issued by Evers’ Department of Health Services meets the definition of a rule, which by law must go through the Legislature. Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, writing for the dissent, said the emergency order did not meet the definition …

Wisconsin high court gives mixed ruling on partial vetoes
4 years, 5 months ago

Wisconsin high court gives mixed ruling on partial vetoes

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — The conservative-controlled Wisconsin Supreme Court on Friday overturned three of four partial budget vetoes issued by Democratic Gov. Echoing comments after his defeat in the lame duck lawsuit, Evers said “we’re not going to let folks who are bitter about an election that happened nearly two years ago stop us from getting things done for the people …

Wisconsin governor warns of ‘massive confusion’ after ruling
4 years, 7 months ago

Wisconsin governor warns of ‘massive confusion’ after ruling

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers warned Thursday of “massive confusion” after the state Supreme Court tossed out the Democrat’s stay-at-home order and Republicans said they may leave it up to local governments to enact their own rules for combating the coronavirus pandemic. Vos said he had faith that the “vast majority” of Wisconsin businesses would act responsibly and …

Wisconsin high court tosses out governor’s stay-home order
4 years, 7 months ago

Wisconsin high court tosses out governor’s stay-home order

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down Gov. “Rule-making exists precisely to ensure that kind of controlling, subjective judgement asserted by one unelected official, Palm, is not imposed in Wisconsin,” Roggensack, part of the court’s 5-2 conservative majority, wrote. And it will be Wisconsinites who pay the price.” Dallet also took aim at the potential delay of a …

Wisconsin high court tosses out governor’s stay-home order
4 years, 7 months ago

Wisconsin high court tosses out governor’s stay-home order

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down Gov. “Rule-making exists precisely to ensure that kind of controlling, subjective judgement asserted by one unelected official, Palm, is not imposed in Wisconsin,” Roggensack, part of the court’s 5-2 conservative majority, wrote. And it will be Wisconsinites who pay the price.” Dallet also took aim at the potential delay of a …

Wisconsin justices consider scaling back Evers’ veto powers
4 years, 8 months ago

Wisconsin justices consider scaling back Evers’ veto powers

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — An attorney for a conservative law firm urged the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Monday to rein in the governor’s expansive partial veto powers, arguing the chief executive’s ability to rewrite state law tramples on the separation of powers with the Legislature. Rick Esenberg, the institute’s president and general counsel, complained to the justices during oral arguments that …

Wisconsin GOP dodges governor’s call for gun control bills
5 years, 2 months ago

Wisconsin GOP dodges governor’s call for gun control bills

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Republicans dodged the Democratic governor’s call to pass a pair of gun control bills during a special session that ended as soon as it began Thursday, brushing aside advocates’ demands to take action before more people die. Evers last month ordered a special session for Thursday afternoon to address bills that would impose universal background checks …

The Latest: Evers faults Republicans for punting on guns
5 years, 2 months ago

The Latest: Evers faults Republicans for punting on guns

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — The Latest on the Wisconsin Legislature’s special session on gun control : 9:40 p.m. Gov. ___ 9:30 p.m. Wisconsin Republicans dodged the Democratic governor’s call to pass a pair of gun control bills during a special session, brushing aside advocates’ demands to take action before more people die. Evers last month ordered a special session for Thursday …

Wisconsin governor calls special session on gun control
5 years, 2 months ago

Wisconsin governor calls special session on gun control

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Democratic Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers on Monday called the Legislature into a special session next month to take up a pair of gun control measures that its Republican leaders have been unwilling to debate, accusing them of telling those who support the measures to “go to hell.” The move won’t force Republicans to debate or vote on …

Republicans urge Wisconsin governor to sign abortion bills
5 years, 6 months ago

Republicans urge Wisconsin governor to sign abortion bills

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Republican lawmakers and abortion opponents on Thursday called on Democratic Gov. Abortion-rights advocates dressed as characters from the dystopian novel and TV series “The Handmaid’s Tale” mingled with abortion opponents on a balcony overlooking the rally, with each side holding opposing signs. “As he’s said previously, the governor plans to veto these bills,” Evers’ spokeswoman Melissa …

Wisconsin Legislature sends abortion bills to governor
5 years, 7 months ago

Wisconsin Legislature sends abortion bills to governor

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin’s Republican-controlled Senate on Wednesday sent four abortion bills to Democratic Gov. Evers’ win last year allows him to block these abortion bills that likely would have been signed into law by Walker. Wisconsin Right to Life, which supports the bill, said it hasn’t heard of any cases in Wisconsin since the Wisconsin State Journal reported in …

Wisconsin governor vetoes tax plan; early showdown with GOP
5 years, 10 months ago

Wisconsin governor vetoes tax plan; early showdown with GOP

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers vetoed a GOP income tax cut bill Wednesday in an early showdown with legislative Republicans who had moved to weaken the Democrat’s powers just weeks before he took office. Republicans rushed to pass the bill, the first they introduced this year, before Evers could introduce his own income tax plan next week. Republican …

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