Gov. Evers revives effort to give voters power to change state laws

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Governor Tony Evers is reviving an effort that would allow voters to alter or create new state laws through statewide ballot initiatives, a measure previously rejected by the GOP-controlled Legislature.

Evers said the proposal will be included in his 2025-2027 state budget request. It seeks to give residents a pathway to pass laws on a variety of issues, from abortion to marijuana legalization.

Currently, Wisconsin does not have a process that allows voters to propose constitutional amendments by petitioning a referendum vote.

The move comes as Republican lawmakers have recently approved a series of constitutional amendments opposed by Evers and Democrats.

Republicans have used the method to bypass Evers veto pen because they don't require his approval. Instead, constitutional amendments must pass two consecutive sessions before the issue is presented to voters.

Last year, voters weighed in on five amendments that covered election administration ,U.S. citizens voting and spending federal aid. A majority were approved by voters.

Speaking to reporters, Evers said his proposal would give voters a "voice" instead of relying on one-party to propose changes in the state constitution.

"If Republican lawmakers are going to continue to try and legislate by constitutional amendment, then they should give Wisconsinites that same opportunity," Evers said.

More than two dozen states including Michigan, Illinois and Ohio allow a statewide referendum process to be initiated by the public.

If Evers' plan is approved by lawmakers, citizens could bring forth statewide binding referendums by proposing constitutional amendments. Voters would then be able to file petitions to the bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission to hold votes on current or new laws.

This marks the latest move by Evers to try and put pressure on Republicans to pass policies initiatives that are supported by Wisconsinites, according to statewide polling, like paid family leave, universal background checks on gun purchases, and Medicaid expansion.

Senate President Mary Felzcowski (R-Tomahawk) expressed no appetite for the measure. She argued the current process is "fair" because voters have the ability to approve or rejected constitutional amendments on the ballot. 

"I think that's a very fair option," Felzcowski said. "[Evers proposal] is just one more way to circumvent the legislative process. It's a non-starter."

In August, voters rejected two provisions that would have allowed the legislature to have a say in spend federal funds. Right now, only governors have that authority. 

In 2022, Evers previously tried to pass a similar measure that would have created an avenue for voters to decide whether to repeal Wisconsin's 1849 criminal abortion ban.

Republican lawmakers swiftly rejected the effort during Evers special session call.

Evers' latest attempt is slightly different because it's included in his budget proposal, which would require the powerful Joint Finance Committee to take up the measure.

In years past, Republican members on JFC hold a vote to remove Evers policy initiatives in his budget request then start from scratch to craft the next two-year spending plan.