OPINION: Voters to face decisions on proposed state amendments
Beloit Daily News, 7/18/24
ELIZABETH BREWER League of Women Voters Jul 17, 2024
In August 2024, Wisconsin voters will have the opportunity to approve or reject proposed amendments to the Wisconsin Constitution. Identified as questions on ballots, the referenda are important. If approved, they will change decision-making in Wisconsin.
Voters thus have two important tasks: 1) understand the choices before them, and 2) express their preferences by participating in the August 13 election.
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?”
Vote YES: The legislature may not authorize the governor to allocate funding, even during emergencies.
Vote NO: The governor can allocate funding when situations demand quick response, rather than relying on lengthier legislative processes and calendars.
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?”
Vote YES: The governor, who accepts federal funding on behalf of the state, does not have the power to allocate that funding even during emergencies such as pandemics or natural disasters.
Vote NO: The governor can allocate federal funding accepted on behalf of the state without seeking prior approval from the legislature. This allows for distribution of funds when they are most needed.
Absentee voting for the upcoming primary election begins in July and ends with in-person voting on August 13.
Voter turnout for primary elections is generally low, and many candidates on the August ballot are running unopposed.
These are no reasons to not vote, however. Amending the Wisconsin constitution is a serious matter and merits your attention.
Make your voice heard: Cast your vote in the August primary election.
Note: The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization promoting informed and active participation in government, including through voting.
Submitted on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Beloit and its Board of Directors.