Madison – Today, Representative Joy Goeben (R – Hobart) shared the following statement in response to Governor Evers’ veto of Assembly Bill 502:
“I am deeply disappointed by the Governor’s veto of AB 502, a bill that represented years of negotiation and a hard-fought compromise among stakeholders to break long-standing gridlock.
“AB 502 was a carefully crafted, reasonable solution to that problem. It brought together property owners, small businesses, and industry representatives to establish a more transparent and equitable process when signs and related property interests are taken during state and federally funded highway projects.
“This legislation offered a reasonable, balanced solution to ensure that when the government takes property or business assets for public projects, owners are fairly compensated for what they lose. AB 502 would have ensured government recognize the full value of those assets, including associated business impacts, rather than relying on outdated methods that undervalue property.
“By vetoing AB 502, the state will continue a system that allows it to take from business owners and landowners at unfair compensation rates, shifting the true cost of public infrastructure onto private citizens.
“While the Governor cited concerns about cost, this veto ignores the real cost borne by those who are not made whole when their property is taken.
“This bill was about fairness, transparency, and treating Wisconsinites with respect. I remain committed to advancing solutions that protect property rights and ensure the government acts as a fair partner, not an adversary,” shared Rep. Goeben.
