The Sconi

Two highly partisan measures have been advanced through the Wisconsin Legislature over the past several years. These measures, in the form of amendments to the state constitution, will appear as questions on the August primary election ballot for approval or rejection by Wisconsin voters.

The ballot questions are considered confusing and potentially harmful as they fundamentally change the process used to distribute federal funds during urgent situations such as public health crises or natural disasters when a quick response is required. The proposed changes could impact the balance of government, delay response times, and alter the process for allocating federal money.

The two constitutional amendment questions that will appear on the August 13th primary election ballot are:

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?”

Both questions were approved solely by Republican members of the Wisconsin Assembly and State Senate and opposed by all Democratic legislators and Governor Tony Evers. Numerous public interest organizations, including the Wisconsin Public Health Association and the Wisconsin Association of Local Health Departments & Boards, also oppose these measures.

On June 27, 2024, during its quarterly meeting in Madison, Common Cause Wisconsin's State Governing Board voted unanimously to go on record opposing both ballot questions and urging a “NO” vote on August 13th.

“During times of need or during emergencies it is important to respond appropriately and quickly. These amendments will make response times longer, potentially putting Wisconsinites in danger,” said Penny Bernard Schaber of Appleton, Chair of Common Cause Wisconsin. “It is inappropriate and unnecessary to change Wisconsin’s Constitution in this way. I urge citizens to vote 'No' on both questions in the August Primary ballot,” she concluded.