Governors in Wisconsin have vast veto powers that allow them to strike out individual words and sentences to create laws the Legislature never intended. Walker reminded lawmakers Sunday he wasn’t afraid to use that authority, even with a Legislature that is firmly in the hands of his party.
Among the items he struck from the budget was a measure that would allow payday lenders to provide more services, such as insurance, annuities and financial advice. Some of Walker’s opponents and allies had urged him to cut that measure from the budget because it would give those lenders far more authority than other types of financial institutions.
He also tweaked a provision requiring some people to take drug tests to qualify for food stamps. Walker removed a provision that would have required the tests to be limited to those who fall under reasonable suspicion, saying his administration shouldn’t face limits on whom it sees as best fit to be screened.
He also removed a section that would have had the state pay for drug treatment for those who fail the tests. The veto means the state would not pick up the cost for treatment in cases where individuals had health insurance covering such expenses.
An expanded list of other vetoes is at the link.
FReep Mail me if you want on, or off, this Wisconsin interest ping list.
In other vetoes, Walker eliminated a total of more than $1 million in grants for groups such as the Ice Age Trail Alliance, Gathering Waters Conservancy, Natural Resources Foundation, Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association and the River Alliance of Wisconsin.
He also vetoed a plan that would have created a Frank Lloyd Wright Heritage Trail that showed drivers on Wisconsin highways how to get to landmarks the famed architect designed. Along with it, he removed a $500,000 grant that would have been used to promote the trail.
What a terrible idea. Veto authority that can be used to rewrite bills? I have a bit of a problem even with line-item veto authority, but this is ridiculous. At least it’s being used for good instead of evil - for the moment