Wisconsin Republicans are expressing outrage over Governor Tony Evers’ recent string of vetoes.
The governor rejected 40 Republican proposals, which encompassed a range of measures. These included the vetoing of a tax cut intended for retirees in the state, a plan to establish a specific number for a wolf hunt, and the rejection of a child care tax credit. Additionally, the governor also vetoed a proposal aimed at preventing road salt from contaminating the state’s drinking water. Governor Evers emphasized that these issues were among his highest priorities.
Republican lawmakers accuse the governor of engaging in political maneuvering.
Rep. David Steffen, R-Green Bay, expressed his disappointment but not surprise at the governor’s decision to veto the tax cut in Wisconsin. He pointed out that this is not the first time the governor has vetoed a tax cut, indicating his belief that the government can spend the state’s surplus better than the taxpayers themselves. However, Rep. Steffen strongly disagrees with this perspective, firmly asserting that the taxpayers should have more control over how their hard-earned money is spent.
State Representative Elijah Behnke, a Republican from Oconto, expressed his criticism towards the governor’s decision to veto the road salt legislation.
“He said Gov. Evers chose to support trial lawyers, despite the growing concern regarding the accumulation of road salt in our valuable freshwater.”
Communities would have been provided with incentives to reduce their use of road salt through the road salt plan. Similar programs already exist in New Hampshire, Illinois, Colorado, and Minnesota.
Evers also rejected a proposal that would have permitted local schools to employ non-educators as superintendents.
State Senator Duey Stroebel, a Republican from Cedarburg, expressed that the intention behind the proposal was to provide greater flexibility to local schools and broaden the pool of potential school administrators.
Governor Evers recently vetoed a bill that would have given school boards the authority to choose their preferred superintendent, thereby maintaining strict licensing requirements in the region. Senator Stroebel expressed concern about this decision, stating that it exacerbates workforce issues. According to Stroebel, the role of a superintendent is similar to that of a CEO, and it is not necessary for someone to have dedicated their entire career to education in order to effectively manage professionals. Stroebel believes that there are numerous Wisconsinites who could excel in this role and serve their communities, even if they do not have a long history of being licensed educators. However, the veto preserves the current prohibition on considering candidates from outside the traditional educational background.
The governor, in addition, decided to veto a bill aimed at establishing a teacher apprenticeship program.
According to Chris Reader from the Institute for Reforming Government, the veto will not have any positive impact on Wisconsin’s teacher shortage.
“We are disappointed in Governor Evers’ decision to veto this bill as teacher apprenticeships are beneficial for educators, taxpayers, and students. Solving the teacher shortage requires us to have all available options at our disposal. Therefore, we are eager to collaborate with the Administration, public and private schools, colleges, and First Nations to ensure that every child has access to exceptional teachers,” expressed Reader.
On Friday, Evers signed over a dozen new laws.
Some of the notable additions to the list are laws aimed at enhancing Holocaust education in schools, a clear plan to define regulations for urgent care facilities, and a one-year funding boost for the Office of School Safety in the state.
