So much for working together in Madison

Wisconsin lawmakers have but one job which they must accomplish. That is to pass a state budget that outlines the state’s spending priorities. That is rarely easy in an era of divided government. Democratic Governor Tony Evers proposed a budget calling for more money for schools, for the UW System, and for road repairs. But Republicans control the budget writing committee and the full legislature, and they don’t share the same priorities. They removed many of the Governor’s plans and inserted their own when crafting their version of the budget. When it passes both the Assembly and the Senate, it goes to Governor Evers for his signature. But Evers has some of the most powerful veto powers in the nation, and could use his veto pen to reduce spending, or significantly change the budget bill. One option would be for the Governor to veto the entire republican-crafted budget bill, although that hasn’t happened in Wisconsin since 1931. And Republican leaders want to make sure he does not. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos is threatening to keep the legislature out of session until October if Evers vetoes the entire budget. No talks, no compromise. Just taking their ball and going home. How does that provide progress? How does that help the people of Wisconsin? It would be a mistake for Evers to veto the entire budget, but it would also be a mistake for republicans to stomp their feet and leave town.