Finally, with the enhanced benefits still in place, Wisconsin’s labor force participation rate is higher than the national rate and the state’s unemployment rate has nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels—3.9 percent—which is nearly two full points lower than the national average and among the best in the country. Wisconsinites are hard-working people, and these numbers demonstrate as much. I am opposed to changes that would have such a profound effect on our neighbors who are struggling the most.
Sincerely,
TONY EVERS
Governor of Wisconsin
_____________
June 30, 2021
To the Honorable Members of the Assembly:
The following bill, originating in the Assembly, has been vetoed in its entirety, and was returned to its house of origin, together with the objections in writing:
Bill Number Date of Veto
hist137647Assembly Bill 173 June 30, 2021 I am vetoing Assembly Bill 173 in its entirety.
This bill would generally prohibit any county or municipality from applying for or accepting any non-governmental grants or donations for election administration. The bill would allow the Wisconsin Elections Commission to accept a private donation or grant intended for municipalities unless the grant stipulates specific purposes for use or contains a requirement to repay for any reason. The commission would have to distribute the funding to each municipality on a per capita basis to offset the municipality's election administration expenses, with all receiving at least $25, and only with the approval of the Joint Committee on Finance. Finally, the bill would create new requirements for serving as an election tabulator and new restrictions regarding who can serve as a poll worker.
I am vetoing this bill because I object to restrictions on local governments potentially using supplemental funding for election administration. During the coronavirus pandemic, our state and local election officials performed admirably to ensure the 2020 elections in each of our communities were conducted freely, fairly, and in accordance with our election laws. Counties, towns, villages, and cities across the state—both big and small, urban and rural—received non-governmental grants, which helped them conduct safe elections under extraordinary circumstances. In accordance with election laws, these resources were used to pay poll workers and purchase personal protective equipment and supplies, thereby keeping our elections safe for poll workers and voters alike.
Regardless of the source of additional funding for election administration, election administrators must always run elections according to state and federal law. Our election laws are robust and lay out clear procedures for how municipal and county officials must administer an election, a process that is not threatened by a municipality applying for and accepting additional resources. By generally prohibiting donations or grants, this bill unnecessarily restricts the use of resources that may be needed to ensure elections are administered effectively. Finally, the acceptance and expenditure of a grant would also be governed by statutory provisions that dictate how amendments to municipal budgets must be noticed and approved, thereby ensuring transparency for interested parties.
Sincerely,
TONY EVERS
Governor of Wisconsin
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Communications
June 29, 2021
Edward A. Blazel
Assembly Chief Clerk
17 West Main Street, Suite 401
Madison, WI 53703
Dear Chief Clerk Blazel:
hist137505Please add my name as a co-author of Assembly Bill 405, relating to special observance days in schools. hist137506Please add my name as a co-author of Assembly Bill 412, relating to creating a foster parents' bill of rights. hist137507Please add my name as a co-author of Assembly Bill 420, relating to payments to an independent charter school authorized by a tribal college. Sincerely,
CHUCK WICHGERS
State Representative
83rd Assembly District
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Agency Reports
Pursuant to Wis. Stats. § 13.172 (2) and (3), following is a list of agency reports received from executive branch and legislative service agencies for the month of June, 2021. Wisconsin Ethics Commission
Updated list of authorized lobbyists
Pursuant to Wis. Stats. 13.685 (7)
Received on June 1, 2021
Referred to State Affairs
Department of Administration
FY20 State of Wisconsin Contractual Services Purchasing Report
Pursuant to Wis. Stats. 16.705 (8)
Received on June 3, 2021
Referred to State Affairs
Department of Children and Families
90 Day Final Summary Report for Child Death, Serious Injury and Egregious Incident
Pursuant to Wis. Stats. 48.981 (7)(cr)3.b.
Received on June 3, 2021
Referred to Children and Families
Wisconsin Elections Commission
Report of Suspected Election Fraud, Irregularities or Violations
Pursuant to Wis. Stats. 7.15 (1)(g)
Received on June 3, 2021
Referred to Campaign and Elections
Wisconsin Elections Commission
Wisconsin Elections Commission Policies and Procedures
Pursuant to Wis. Stats. 5.05 (16)(a)
Received on June 7, 2021
Referred to Campaign and Elections
Wisconsin Ethics Commission
Updated list of authorized lobbyists
Pursuant to Wis. Stats. 13.685 (7)
Received on June 8, 2021
Referred to State Affairs
Department of Health Services
Mental Health and Substance Use Services and Programs Provided By Wisconsin Counties and Regions CY 2018 and CY 2019
Pursuant to Wis. Stats. 51.42 (7)(d)
Received on June 8, 2021
Referred to Mental Health
Department of Children and Families
90 Day Final Summary Report for Child Death, Serious Injury and Egregious Incident
Pursuant to Wis. Stats. 48.981 (7)(cr)3.b.
Received on June 8, 2021
Referred to Children and Families
Department of Administration
Proposed Lease Notification: Department of Justice - Division of Criminal Investigation in Brookfield, WI
Pursuant to Wis. Stats. 16.84 (5)(a)
Received on June 8, 2021
Referred to State Affairs
Wisconsin Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board SFY20-21 Biennial Program Evaluation Report
Pursuant to Wis. Stats. 48.982 (7)(h)
Received on June 15, 2021
Referred to Children and Families
Wisconsin Ethics Commission
Updated list of authorized lobbyists
Pursuant to Wis. Stats. 13.685 (7)
