Both sides on the political aisle locally are giving their take on two upcoming constitutional amendments on the primary election ballot.
There will be two questions on the ballot to change the Wisconsin State Constitution so the Assembly and Senate get control of federal funding and not the governor.
Republicans like Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu say it’s necessary.
However, Manitowoc County Democratic Party Chairman Jim Hollahan calls the amendment manipulative.
He says if the legislature gets control of federal money, “That would impact a number of programs, but most importantly, it’s going to impact emergency funds for floods or tornados.”
LeMahieu said on the WCUB Breakfast Club that Governor Tony Evers has been spending federal money, especially from the American Rescue Plan, without input from the legislature.
He continues saying what’s great about American Democracy is that spending is normally kept track of through two branches of government.
“This issue is so important for people to vote yes on these two constitutional amendments that sort of deal with how money is supposed to be spent in the state,” LeMahieu explained. “Traditionally, the legislature has been given the power of the purse. And with this massive amount of federal money, the legislature has no say on how this money is going to be spent.”
If approved, the amendments wouldn’t apply just to Evers but to every future Wisconsin governor.
The primary election is Tuesday, August 13th.
