Wisconsin residents vote not to approve new constitutional amendments

Wisconsin residents voted not to approve new constitutional amendments that would have limited the power of the governor. The two referendum questions were presented on Wisconsin’s primary election ballot on Tuesday.

The first question stated the following: “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?”

The second question read, “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?”

Since the questions did not pass, the governor will be able to continue to accept and use federal money given to the state without prior approval from Wisconsin lawmakers.