June 2024 Legislative Update 

KNSP Case Update.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court is considering a legal challenge from Gov. Tony Evers (D) to the Wisconsin Legislature’s committee oversight power over the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program (KNSP). The decision in the case is expected any day. The outcome of this case could have a significant impact on the KNSP and “will determine the balance of power between the legislature and the executive branch regarding environmental protection efforts in Wisconsin.”

Oral arguments before the court were held April 17. Specifically, the lawsuit from Gov. Evers alleges that a provision giving the Joint Committee on Finance the power to review and veto funding awards under the Stewardship Program is an unconstitutional violation of the separation of powers. The supreme court accepted the case, styled Tony Evers v. Howard Marklein, in early February. Sen. Marklein (R-Spring Green) is the Republican Senate co-chair of the Joint Committee on Finance.

During oral arguments, liberal Justice Jill Karofsky and attorneys representing the governor’s position focused on the apparently unlimited nature of the committee veto power in questioning its constitutionality. Justice Brian Hagedorn also appeared skeptical of the committee veto power and the legislature’s arguments defending it.

Conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley and attorneys representing the legislature focused on the fact that most of the activities of the executive branch are approved or delegated by the legislature through statutes, appropriations, and rulemaking authorization, suggesting that the committee veto is a natural extension or retention of the legislature’s constitutional powers.

Gov. Evers announced the filing of the lawsuit in October of last year, claiming that Republicans in the Legislature are “violating the Wisconsin Constitution and intruding into executive powers.” The suit was filed as a petition for original action by Attorney General Kaul at the governor’s request. It is an uncommon and significant step for the supreme court to accept a petition for original action (meaning that a case is not developed in the lower courts before being decided by the supreme court).

State Elections 2024 Resources.
Bookmark the 2024 Elections page right now! This is a helpful resource for finding out who is running where and against whom. The next step in the 2024 elections process is the state primary which will take place on August 13.