In an hour-long hearing Tuesday, the state Senate’s Government Oversight Committee heard arguments for and against a constitutional amendment that would curb the governor’s veto power.
Constitutional amendments must pass consecutive legislative sessions and then be approved by a statewide referendum before they are ratified.
Governor Evers used partial veto powers in July to rewrite the state budget and allocate $65 million more to public schools than was proposed in the budget.
Joint Resolution 59 is one of several attempts made by legislators to curb the governor’s veto power, Craig notes. If passed, it would create a new section (10 (1) (d)) of article V of the state constitution “prohibiting the governor from using the partial veto to increase state expenditures.”
JR 59 “would shield taxpayers from further unauthorized spending in the future,” Craig said.
Two Democrats on the committee, Sens. Fred Risser and Lena Taylor, spoke against the amendment, arguing it wasn’t necessary.