MADISON – State Representative Amanda Nedweski (R–Pleasant Prairie) introduced a proposed amendment to the state constitution for second consideration this week that aims to restore balance between the executive and legislative branches. Wisconsin’s partial veto is widely regarded as one of the most expansive executive powers in the country. Unlike many states, where veto authority is limited only to reducing or removing whole appropriations, Wisconsin governors may selectively strike words, numbers, and punctuation—sometimes producing outcomes never debated or approved by the Legislature. Nedweski’s proposed amendment would prohibit the use of the partial veto from resulting in an increase in taxes or fees. If approved by both legislative chambers this session, the amendment will go before voters statewide on the fall ballot:
“As families across Wisconsin open their property tax bills this month, many are experiencing sticker shock—thanks to Governor Evers’ 400-year veto,” Nedweski said. “With one stroke of his pen, he created a four-century-long Democrat property tax hike—something the Legislature never debated, never voted on, and never intended. Under the Evers-Rodriguez Administration, Wisconsin currently has some of the highest property tax rates in the country. Thanks to the Governor’s 400-year property tax increase, this unsustainable burden will be placed on families and property owners for generations to come.”
The Governor’s manipulation of the budget language was widely criticized and ultimately challenged in court. In LeMieux v. Evers, the Wisconsin Supreme Court upheld the veto on a narrow 4–3 vote, noting that current constitutional limits prevent the governor from inventing new words but do not restrict the deletion of numerical digits, which is how the Governor got creative with the veto pen. While the Court upheld the veto, the majority opinion took the unusual step of outlining several legislative remedies to stop similar abuses in the future—explicitly highlighting this constitutional amendment as one of them.
“The Governor is not a king,” Nedweski added. “No Governor, regardless of their party, should have the authority to pass a 400-year property tax increase without the consent of the people. While the liberal majority on the Court allowed this outrageous example of executive overreach to stand, this amendment would ensure something similar can never happen again.”
“In the past 35 years, Wisconsin voters have twice amended the constitution to rein in abuses of the partial veto—and both times those reforms passed with bipartisan support,” Nedweski said. “If adopted next November, this amendment will restore the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches and protect taxpayers from unilateral tax increases imposed by any future governor.”
A copy of the amendment has been attached for your convenience.
Rep. Nedweski represents the 32nd Assembly District, which includes the Town and Village of Bloomfield, Village of Bristol, Town of Brighton, Village of Genoa City, portions of Kenosha, portions of Lake Geneva, Village of Paddock Lake, Town of Paris, Village of Pleasant Prairie, Town of Randall, Village of Salem Lakes, Village of Twin Lakes, and the Town of Wheatland.
