Wisconsin Constitutional Amendments:
Governor’s Authority to Spend Federal Funds

Two Amendments: Vote NO

Here’s Why

The amendments to the State Constitution would change the process for distributing federal money, and who has the power to make those decisions

Question 1:

“Delegation of appropriation power.

“Shall section 35 (1) of article IV of the constitution be created to provide that the legislature may not delegate its sole power to determine how moneys shall be appropriated?”

Why you should vote NO

Question 1: Delegation of appropriation power

  1. Our tax dollars go toward federal funds that support Wisconsinites in urgent times of crises such as natural or economic disasters and public health emergencies. When Wisconsin gets federal funds, it’s our money coming back to us. 

  2. Federal funds support Wisconsin families, farmers, renters, small businesses, child care, food banks, public benefits such as SNAP, the arts, education and more. 

  3. This change to our state constitution will obstruct our government’s ability to respond immediately to emergencies when we need help the most. 

  4. Our legislators already have a say in how tax dollars are spent through the state budget-making process. In this amendment, the legislature would harm Wisconsin families by adding more red tape to the emergency funding process.

  5. This change does not belong in our state constitution.

Question 2:

“Allocation of federal moneys.

“Shall section 35 (2) of article IV of the constitution be created to prohibit the governor from allocating any federal moneys the governor accepts on behalf of the state without the approval of the legislature by joint resolution or as provided by legislative rule?”

Why you should vote NO

Question 2: Allocation of federal moneys

  1. The citizens of Wisconsin deserve a well-resourced government that is able to fund necessary programs and infrastructure like our roads. Voting “yes” would limit the governor’s ability to accept federal funding for this purpose.

  2. Wisconsin voters elect the governor in a fair, statewide election and entrust the governor to deal with federal money. 

  3. Right now, our legislature is gerrymandered, which means  the voting district maps are rigged and not representative of Wisconsin. This measure would allow legislators to reverse the will of the people.

  4. When Wisconsinites and their communities are in need, it’s important that they receive support in a timely and efficient manner. This measure would add another level of government process that could delay or even halt necessary aid.  

  5. This change does not belong in our state constitution.

Both amendments to the state constitution are opposed by:

  • League of Women Voters of Wisconsin,

  • Wisconsin Education Association Council,

  • Wisconsin Association of Local Health Departments & Boards,

  • Wisconsin Conservation Voters, and

  • Wisconsin Public Health Association.

Wisconsin’s recent experiences provide ample evidence for why these amendments would be damaging to the citizens of Wisconsin. For example:

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wisconsin State Legislature was one of the least active in the country. Legislators refused to come to work to deliver relief for Wisconsinites. Fortunately, our Governor could quickly distribute emergency federal funds to the communities who needed it most. We need to ensure the governor can continue to distribute these funds efficiently and effectively, without unnecessary red tape. That's why we’re voting NO on both constitutional amendments this August.

We have observed how the legislature plays partisan games rather than doing their job and acting in our interests in a timely manner. Our federal tax dollars support Wisconsin families, farmers, renters, small businesses, food banks, public benefits, the arts, education and more. Our tax dollars support Wisconsinites, make Wisconsin stronger and help us in urgent times of crises. This measure would add more red tape that would slow down our money coming back to us.

GOP lawmakers serving under gerrymandered, nonrepresentative voting maps anticipate the loss of control of state government that the new, fairer districts boundaries will produce. GOP legislators want to maintain their control of our state’s federal funds by preventing the governor from making key decisions on how to allocate resources to the people and communities of Wisconsin, when the two houses of the legislature fail to approve any allocation.

Source: League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, August 24 Amendments Toolkit and Why You Should Vote No

The League has much more information in the August 24 Amendments Toolkit. We urge you to familiarize yourself with the details and share this information resource with others.