Lawmakers keep special session open to consider Governor Tony Evers ban on partisan gerrymandering
MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- How will lawmakers move forward with Governor Tony Evers' request to ban partisan gerrymandering?
On Tuesday, April 14, they convened a special session that did not last long. However, both chambers are meeting again later this week. Neither chamber acted on Gov. Evers’ executive order, which would ban partisan gerrymandering by adding it to the Wisconsin Constitution.
In a joint statement, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) and Assembly Majority Leader Tyler August (R-Walworth) said the following:
“We view the Governor’s proposal as a first step on which to build a more comprehensive, workable solution for Wisconsin and we hope that Governor Evers will agree to meet face-to-face with us to discuss our ideas on how to accomplish this shared goal. We’re committed to a transparent and balanced solution that reflects the interest of all Wisconsinites.”
Some groups, like the Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition, are happy that the conversation surrounding gerrymandering is happening at the Capitol. However, they do not feel that the governor’s proposal goes far enough.
“Gerrymandering is a bipartisan disease,” Nicole Gabrail with the Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition said. “We think it would complement what our coalition is trying to do which is establish an independent redistricting commission to draw our voting maps.”
Senate Democrats said every one of their caucus members would vote in favor of the constitutional amendment. They held a press conference inside the Senate chamber after waiting around 30 minutes for Republicans to join them.
The caucus said the policy is common sense.
“This actually just gives the legal grounds that if anybody gerrymanders in the future someone would be able to challenge that in court and the courts would have clear guidance to review it that’s all this is about,” State Sen. Mark Spreitzer
The Senate Democratic Caucus Chair said.
Democrats in the Senate were visibly frustrated when Republicans did not show up at 12 p.m., which is when the session was scheduled to begin. Shortly after Democrats held their press conference, Republicans gaveled in and out quickly but kept the session open.
Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu sent out the following statement after the fall of the gavel:
"Redistricting is a core legislative power. Any changes to the current process have to be made intentionally and specifically using normal legislative procedure. Leaving the special session open allows the legislature to gain public input in order to make an informed decision on how to proceed.”
Lawmakers are scheduled to be back in session on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. It is not clear whether they will discuss Governor Evers' proposal.
If this proposal is passed, it still has a long way to go before it becomes law. Before this constitutional ban on partisan gerrymandering could take effect, it must be passed in two consecutive legislative sessions, then approved by voters.