Senate Republicans pass resolution meant to undermine the governor’s ability to respond to emergencies, distribute funding

MADISON – In a party-line vote today, Republicans in the Wisconsin State Senate passed AJR6 a resolution to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot this November. This new legislative power is meant to undermine tools a governor has to help communities when they most need it.

Government Affairs Director Jennifer Giegerich had this to say:

“In a party-line vote, senate Republicans put communities at risk by trying to undermine the governor's authority and insert a new legislative power on how funds are spent, including emergency funds.

The governor’s authority to quickly deploy federal dollars to respond to emergencies is vital to protecting our communities. When there’s severe flooding, a health crisis like COVID-19, serious drinking water concerns, or other natural disasters, this funding is necessary to provide housing, emergency supplies, and more.

This joint resolution could even put future investments in climate change solutions in jeopardy since many of the new investments in President Biden's Affordable Clean Energy Plan are being developed as grants from the federal government.

This is an egregious attack on the governor’s ability to function for the people of Wisconsin. When this hits the ballot, Wisconsin voters won’t be fooled. We trust the people of this state to make the right decision and reject yet another power grab by legislative Republicans.”

Ryan Billingham, Communications Director, Wisconsin Conservation Voters, 608-208-1129 (office), 608-213-6972 (mobile/text), or ryan@conservationvoters.org