MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republicans are starting a push to rein in Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ veto powers with a hearing on a constitutional amendment prohibiting him from using his veto pen to increase spending.
The Wisconsin Constitution allows the governor to strike words, numbers and punctuation in spending bills. Evers angered Republicans in July when he partially vetoed the state budget to give public schools $65 million more than GOP lawmakers allocated.
Constitutional amendments must pass consecutive legislative sessions and a statewide referendum. The state Senate’s government oversight committee started the process on the veto amendment with the hearing Tuesday.
The amendment’s chief Senate author, Republican Dave Craig, told the committee that Evers exceeded his authority and trampled on the Legislature’s powers.
Democrats Lena Taylor and Fred Risser argued lawmakers can override gubernatorial vetoes.
