FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 21, 2019

Contact: Senator Jennifer Shilling, 608-266-5490

               Representative Gordon Hintz, 608-266-2254

Senator Shilling and Representative Hintz Call on Legislature to Halt all Payments to Private Law Firms

Democratic Leaders send letter to Republican leadership based on today’s court ruling

 

MADISON, WI – Earlier today, Dane County Circuit Court Judge Richard Niess issued a temporary injunction blocking the GOP lame-duck laws, ruling that the legislature did not lawfully convene. As a result, the laws passed during that session of the legislature are enjoined pending further legal action. Acts 368, 369, and 370 allowed the legislature to hire private attorneys to represent the legislature at taxpayer expense rather than using the Attorney General’s office. Due to Judge Niess’ ruling, Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) and Assembly Democratic Leader (D-Oshkosh) sent letters to Senate President Roger Roth and Speaker Robin Vos requesting that all payments to outside attorneys stop immediately.

“Wisconsin taxpayers should not pay one more cent to hire private attorneys to defend Robin Vos’ indefensible power grab,” Rep. Hintz stated. “This ruling by Judge Niess confirms what we said at the time of the lame duck session – Republicans were attempting to override the will of the voters and undermine our democracy.”

The letter from Senator Shilling and Representative Hintz to Senator Roth and Speaker Vos states, “In order to prevent further potentially illegal actions taken by the Legislature under what Judge Niess deemed “unconstitutional and therefore, non-existent laws,” and to prevent any further litigation, we respectfully request that any and all payments to outside attorneys or outside counsel hired under the legislative authority granted by the Acts terminate.”

“The lame duck session was a bait and switch to rush through more partisan bills, rig elections, and consolidate more power in the hands of Republican politicians,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). “The endless political posturing and recklessness of Republican leaders has already wasted too much taxpayer money. It’s time to put an end to this irresponsible spending spree and focus on improving Wisconsin’s schools, roads and health care.”

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