Wisconsin Amendment Vote: What Does Voting “Yes” or “No” Mean?

Wisconsin Referendum Questions Explained

WISCONSIN (OnFocus) – On the ballot this Tuesday, August 13, Wisconsinites are being asked to vote “yes” or “no” on two proposed Amendments. The implications of these proposed changes are significant, as they would alter the balance of power between the state’s legislature and the governor.

The wording of the questions are as follows:

State of Wisconsin Delegation of Appropriation Power Referendum – 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?”

State of Wisconsin Allocation of Federal Moneys Referendum – 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?”

What are these Wisconsin Referendum questions actually asking?

Question 1 is asking whether a new section should be added to the state constitution that would make it clear that only the legislature (the state’s law-making body) has the power to decide how money is spent, and that this power cannot be given to anyone else. Essentially, it’s about making sure that only elected lawmakers have control over the state’s budget decisions.

If you vote yes, you are voting to add a new section to the state constitution that ensures only the legislature has the power to decide how state money is spent, and that this power cannot be delegated to anyone else.

If you vote no, you are voting against adding a new section to the state constitution, meaning the current rules would remain unchanged, and the legislature could still potentially delegate its power to decide how state money is spent.

• If Passed (Yes Vote):
  • The legislature’s power over state spending would be more firmly controlled, preventing any delegation of this authority.
  • This could limit the flexibility of government operations, as it would ensure that only the legislature can decide on appropriations, potentially slowing down decision-making processes.
  • It might prevent other branches of government or agencies from making spending decisions, centralizing fiscal control within the legislature.
• If Not Passed (No Vote):
  • The legislature could continue to delegate its spending authority, allowing other entities, such as government agencies or commissions, to make certain appropriation decisions.
  • This could allow for more flexibility in managing state funds, especially in situations where quick decisions are needed, but it might also lead to less oversight and accountability if too much power is delegated.

Question 2 is asking whether a new section should be added to the state constitution to prevent the governor from deciding how to spend any federal money received by the state unless the legislature approves it. In simple terms, it’s about making sure that the governor can’t spend federal funds without getting permission from the state legislature first.

If you vote yes, you are voting to add a new section to the state constitution that requires the governor to get approval from the legislature before deciding how to spend any federal money received by the state.

If you vote no, you are voting against adding a new section to the state constitution, meaning the governor would still have the ability to decide how to spend federal money received by the state without needing approval from the legislature.

• If Passed (Yes Vote):
  • The governor would be required to get legislative approval before allocating any federal money received by the state.
  • This could increase legislative oversight and ensure that the spending of federal funds aligns with legislative priorities.
  • However, it might slow down the process of utilizing federal funds, especially in situations requiring quick action, such as disaster relief or emergency responses.
• If Not Passed (No Vote):
  • The governor would retain the ability to allocate federal funds without needing prior approval from the legislature.
  • This could allow for faster and more responsive use of federal funds, particularly in emergencies.
  • On the downside, it could lead to less oversight and potential conflicts between the governor and the legislature regarding how federal funds are used.

Overall implications if the amendments are passed could include:

• Shifting Power Dynamics: Passing these measures would shift more control over financial decisions to the legislature and limit the governor’s authority, potentially leading to more checks and balances but also to slower decision-making processes.
• Impact on Governance: The changes could impact how quickly and efficiently the state government can respond to financial needs, particularly in emergencies, depending on how well the legislature and governor work together.
• Political and Practical Considerations: These questions could reflect broader political dynamics, such as the balance of power between different branches of government and their respective roles in managing the state’s finances.

How To Decide Which Way to Vote

In simplest terms, the bottom line is that your vote should reflect how you feel about the balance of power between the legislature and the governor:

• Vote “Yes” if you believe that the state legislature should have more control over financial decisions, including how state and federal funds are spent, and that this power should not be shared or delegated.
• Vote “No” if you prefer to maintain the current system, where the governor can have more direct control over the allocation of federal funds and the legislature can delegate some of its spending authority.

Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you trust the legislature or the governor more to manage the state’s finances effectively.

Learn more about your ballot at https://myvote.wi.gov/.

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