ROTHSCHILD — Joint Finance Co-chair Mark Born told GOP activists today Dem Gov. Tony Evers’ budget was all about how to grow government and be more involved in people’s lives.

“If you could think of a liberal, stupid idea, he probably had it in there,” Born said.

The Beaver Dam Republican and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, participated in a panel discussion at the state convention, touching on a range of topics related to the Capitol, including the state budget.

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They also both bemoaned the liberal majority on the state Supreme Court after rulings they said have tilted the balance of power toward the executive branch. That includes a ruling last month upholding Evers’ veto striking out individual numbers in the 2023-25 budget to extend until 2425 an annual increase in the limit on how much school districts can spend per student between state aid and local property taxes. 

LeMahieu said the court is trying to create something similar to the federal government where the president has expansive powers, arguing that wasn’t the intent of the framers. While saying he likes what President Donald Trump is doing, “it probably gives way too much power to the executive branch.”

“If that’s your governor, I guess that’s good. But everything we can get done in a four-year period can be undone by the next election,” he said.

They also provided an overview of recent audits, including one on federal COVID-19 funds. LeMahieu said that report by the Legislative Audit Bureau found the guv was refusing to put $170 million in interest from the federal funds sitting in state accounts into the general fund, which would allow lawmakers a say in how it’s spent.

“Lock him up!” one member of the crowd yelled in response. LeMahieu didn’t verbally acknowledge the comment.

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