Contact: Representative Ron Tusler (608) 266-5831

Madison, WI –Representative Ron Tusler (R-Harrison), Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections, released the following statement in reaction to Governor Evers’ redistricting proposal in the forthcoming state budget:

“The state budget is the most important item the legislature debates every session.  Governor Evers’ choice to add a wholly non-budgetary and entirely political policy proposal into his budget is disappointing.

“In 1983, Democrat Governor Tony Earl vetoed provisions within the 1983-84 Biennial Budget concerning redistricting.  In his veto message Governor Earl said, ‘objections to the process of including the [reapportionment] plan in the budget make it impossible for it to be judged on its merits.’  I agree with Democrat Governor Tony Earl’s sentiment today.

“I urge Governor Evers to follow Governor Earl’s precedent and remove the relevant provisions from his proposed budget or agree to take up the issue outside of the budget process, as Governor Earl directed in 1983.

“Whether Wisconsin should change its approach to redistricting is a legitimate policy debate, but a debate that is appropriate outside of the state budget.”

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