Wisconsin Senate Approves Constitutional Amendment to Grant Legislature Power over Dispersement of Federal Funds
January 27, 2022 | Wisconsin
Lawmakers in the Wisconsin State Senate on Tuesday approved a measure that would alter the state’s constitution to award the legislature more power when distributing federal funds awarded to the state.
Under current provisions, the governor of the state has the authority to disperse the funds without legislative approval.
However, if fully approved, Senate Joint Resolution 84 would give the appropriating authority to a joint committee of the Legislature to give its approval first.
According to Senator Dale Kooyenga (R-Brookfield), who introduced the potential constitutional amendment, the move is centered around leveling the balance of the branches of government.
“Long ago, the legislature abandoned its responsibility to help decide where federal funding is spent. It’s time to restore the accountability that the legislative process brings. Neither of these proposals is about who is currently the governor, they’re about ensuring Wisconsin thrives long into the future by locking in fiscal responsibility and accountability today,” said Sen. Kooyenga.
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Governor Tony Evers used the current system to direct billions of federal coronavirus relief funds to different areas—some of which Republicans opposed…. (Excerpts from the Wisconsin Daily Star)
