Limiting Partial Veto Authority
Assembly Joint Resolution 127 proposes an amendment to the State Constitution to eliminate the ability of the governor’s partial veto authority to create, increase, or authorize any tax or fee. This issue largely came to light in the wake of Governor Evers’ decision last session to authorize and enable property tax increases for the next 400 years. This proposal passed the Assembly in February and has now passed the Assembly and Senate in consecutive sessions.
Wisconsin has one of the more unique and powerful partial vetoes in the country. Common line-item veto powers in 43 other states typically limit a governor to striking an entire line in legislation that appropriates money. In Wisconsin alone, the governor can strike words, numbers, and punctuation in a spending bill in a way that may result in laws that the legislature did not intend, or has even rejected outright.
Constitutional amendments limiting the partial veto have been proposed multiple times since 1930, by both Republicans and Democrats, as a recognition of the shifting nature of executive authority. If this amendment is adopted, it will place limits on the partial veto and ensure that any increases in taxes or fees receive legislative approval. The fate of the amendment will now fall into the hands of the voters.
Ending Holdover Appointments
I proudly cosponsored and voted for AB 248, which passed the Assembly in February. This legislation addresses vacancies in appointive state offices with fixed terms, ensuring that when an appointee’s term ends, their time in office also concludes. Closing the loophole that permits unelected employees to serve past their terms allows the government to operate fairly and efficiently.
An appointive state office is any position in a state department, agency, board, office, commission, authority, or similar body created by the constitution or law and filled through appointment, excluding those within the legislature and courts. Currently, the expiration of an incumbent’s term does not create a vacancy, allowing them to remain in office until a successor is appointed. The bill changes this by requiring that an expiration of a term creates a vacancy for such offices.
The bill restores accountability and common sense to state government by ensuring that appointed officials with fixed terms vacate their positions upon expiration. This will prevent indefinite holdovers that undermine the intent of limited terms and elections, and avoids the creation of permanent bureaucracy during stalemates of split government.
Meeting Future Oconto County Leaders
Thank you to Leadership Oconto County for visiting the Capitol and inviting me to meet with your group. It’s always a pleasure to meet constituents, and I am happy to share my input and experiences with the future leaders of our region.
Leadership Oconto County describes itself as seeking to build a pool of citizens with broad knowledge of the ideas, issues, and concerns faced by our local communities. Their participants are encouraged to utilize what they learn and take leadership and active participation roles in helping to meet local challenges.
Those I met with represented a range of backgrounds and experiences, all of whom have expressed interest in taking leadership roles in Oconto County’s future. Thank you again for inviting me to meet; I am happy to play a part in educating and encouraging future local leaders.
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Contact Me
My office is always available to help with any state-related questions or concerns you may have. You can reach my office at (608) 237-9104, or email me at Rep.Steffen@legis.wisconsin.
