The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin is launching a Constitutional Corner series to highlight issues related to our state constitution. This week let's explore the two constitutional amendment questions on the August ballot.
These two problematic proposed amendments would change how our federal tax dollars are distributed. These potential changes will impact both the process for distributing federal money and who has the power to make those decisions. These large sweeping changes will impact a wide range of issues voters care about, from education to the environment to how quickly the government can respond to emergencies (like a public health crisis or a natural disaster).
The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin is urging voters to VOTE NO on both questions.
Let’s take a look at the questions that will be on voters’ ballots.
Question #1: Delegation of appropriation power: Shall Section 35(1) of Article IV of the Constitution be created to provide that the legislature may not delegate its sole power to determine how moneys shall be appropriated?”
Question #2: Allocation of federal moneys.: Shall section 35(2) of Article IV of the constitution be created to prohibit the governor from allocating any federal moneys the governor accepts on behalf of the state without the approval of the legislature by joint resolution or as provided by legislative rule?”
You're not alone if you find these questions confusing! Question #1 misleadingly states the legislature has “sole power” to determine how our tax dollars are distributed. Voters need to be aware that current law allows the governor to accept and distribute federal funds. This is a good thing because the governor is accountable to every Wisconsin voter and streamlines the process, distributing funds quickly – which is important during emergencies.
For example, during the pandemic, Governor Evers allocated $6 billion to unemployment benefits, local governments, education, health services, children and families and housing. Meanwhile, Wisconsin had the least active full-time legislature in the nation.
Additionally, the state legislature already plays a large role in allocating state funds through the budget-making process. These proposed amendments would add red tape and slow the government’s response during emergencies, harming our communities and families. Take a look at how our federal funds have been used in Wisconsin.
