HERE WE GO AGAN!!
Why You Should VOTE NO on BOTH Constitutional Amendment Ballot Questions
THE QUESTIONS . . .
❌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?”
CURRENTLY . . .
Chapter 16, Section 54 of the Wisconsin Statutes authorizes the governor to accept and allocate federal funds.
The section reads: “Whenever the United States government shall make available to this state funds for the education, the promotion of health, the relief of indigency, the promotion of agriculture or for any other purpose other than the administration of the tribal or any individual funds of Wisconsin Indians, the governor on behalf of the state is authorized to accept the funds so made available. In exercising the authority herein conferred, the governor may stipulate as a condition of the acceptance of the act of congress by this state such conditions as in the governor's discretion may be necessary to safeguard the interests of this state.”
WHAT DOES A ‘YES’ or ‘NO’ VOTE MEAN . . .
➕A "yes" vote supports amending the state constitution to require legislative approval from both the senate and assembly before the governor can expend federal money appropriated to the state.
➕A "no" vote opposes this amendment, thereby allowing the governor to accept and allocate federal funds without seeking an approval vote from the state legislature.
Reasons to Vote NO on Question 1 & Question 2
Information below provided by Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition
Wisconsinites deserve a well-resourced government that is able to fund necessary programs and infrastructure like our roads in a timely manner (especially in emergencies). These changes to our state constitution would add red tape and slow the government’s ability to respond to emergencies when we need help the most – harming our communities and Wisconsin families.
Our tax dollars go toward federal funds that support our schools, infrastructure, parks, health care, renters, small businesses, public benefits and so much more. They provide relief to Wisconsinites in urgent times of crises such as natural or economic disasters and public health emergencies. When Wisconsin gets federal funds, it’s our money coming back to us.
Our current legislators were elected under rigged, non representative voting maps which means they are not responsive to Wisconsin voters. In times of need Wisconsinites cannot afford to have their relief held up in legislative gridlock.
It is easier for Wisconsin voters to hold the governor accountable for how federal funds are spent than the entire legislature. The governor is accountable to the whole state. The governor was elected in a fair, statewide election and entrusted to deal with federal money.
These changes are not fixing a problem. Our laws already give legislators a say in how tax dollars are spent through the state budget-making process. This change does not belong in our state constitution.
From the WI League of Women Voters
This August Constitutional Amendment Toolkit was created for local Leagues and other groups/individuals to inform Wisconsinites about the constitutional amendment questions on the August 13 ballot and why they should VOTE NO.
The toolkit has messaging, social media graphics, talking points, flyers, actions and more. Check it out!
Please help share the toolkit with your friends, social media followers, community groups, local advocates/leaders and more : bit.ly/AugustVoteNo
Additionally, register for the Why Vote No: August 13 Statewide Constitutional Amendment Questions webinar. We'll have a set of great speakers who will break down the questions. Register below and share with your friends!
REGISTER FOR VOTE NO WEBINAR - July 10, 7 pm
Constitutional Corner: August Constitutional Amendment Questions
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.
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.