Wisconsin Supreme Court’s Ruling on Evers’ Veto
The Wisconsin Supreme Court unanimously decided that Governor Tony Evers “overstepped his constitutional limits” when he made partial revisions to parts of a literacy bill he signed last year.
It seems Evers wasn’t too happy with this judgment.
In response, Evers remarked that the court’s decision was “merciless.”
On the other hand, Republicans were quick to celebrate this outcome. State Senator Julian Bradley pointed out that the ruling considered the governor’s actions to be an “outrageously illegal veto” that halted funding for children’s literacy, emphasizing that even justices from the left couldn’t justify Evers’ decisions.
Background of the Case
A Republican-controlled Congress in Wisconsin moved to sue Evers over his partial veto of a bill designed to support literacy funding in April 2024.
Senate Bill 971 included a significant allocation of $50 million for public education, which covers various literacy programs, such as coaching and curriculum grants, after Evers’ controversial veto.
While Evers approved SB 971, he allegedly misused his veto power, undermining certain sections of the law. He defended his actions by claiming that they were intended to simplify the funding related to literacy programs.
Some, however, believe he should have approached the situation differently. The complaint from Republican legislators stated that if Evers perceived SB 971 as a budget bill, he should have called for a legislative session to amend it correctly. Funding bills must clear both chambers with a recorded vote.
The irregular partial veto of SB 971 left lawmakers in a tough spot. The Joint Committee on Finance (JCF) needed to ensure effective funding for literacy programs, but the complications raised questions about how to utilize the budget appropriately.
Supreme Court’s Stance
On Wednesday, the Wisconsin Supreme Court aligned with Republican lawmakers against Evers, asserting that the state constitution prohibits the governor from partially rejecting any bills. The court clarified that Evers’ partial veto was not permissible as SB 971 wasn’t classified as an expenditure bill.
They concluded that the governor’s actions were unconstitutional, stressing that the JCF had not withheld funds incorrectly.
Following the court’s ruling, SB 971 was validated by the legislature without any amendments from Evers, officially becoming law.
According to the Associated Press, the ruling could pave the way for Congress to approach budgeting and spending in ways that naturally bypass potential partial vetoes from Evers in the future, thereby granting greater control over funding.
State Senate Majority Leader Devin Lemahieu and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos issued a joint statement asserting that Evers’ attempts to undermine a bipartisan funding effort were thwarted, calling it a win for Wisconsin families.
Evers, however, continued to advocate for the importance of securing resources for educational programs, stating his commitment to fighting for schools despite the ruling.
He urged the JCF to release the allocated $50 million promptly before it reverts to the state’s general fund.
