As the new legislative session begins, we have a unique opportunity as state legislators to demonstrate that we are serious about working together to meet the challenges facing us all. Whether it's creating jobs, lowering health care costs, improving education, controlling government spending, or keeping Wisconsin out of the top 10 highest taxed states in the country, we must find ways to advance policies that benefit all citizens of Wisconsin.
There will be times that we will respectfully disagree on how to reach a common policy goal, but we must understand that tough issues facing Wisconsin families, seniors and businesses don't just impact Republicans or Democrats, they affect everyone.
One way to demonstrate this willingness to work together is to approve bipartisan legislation to ban fundraising during the state budget process. In fact, the ban should start Jan. 1 of a budget year, well before the budget is even introduced. This common sense legislation has been introduced by Rep. Mark Gottlieb, R-Port Washington, and Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, R-River Falls. In past legislative sessions it has received support from both sides of the political aisle and should be one of the first bills approved in both the Assembly and Senate.
While Assembly Democrats are considering changing Assembly rules to prohibit representatives from fundraising during the budget process, this is not nearly comprehensive enough. Anything less than approving a state law to ban fundraising for state representatives, state senators and the governor would fall well short in the eyes of the public.
There are a few problems with approving a ban simply as an Assembly rule and not a state law. First, an Assembly rule has no teeth, no legal standing and no penalties. Second, the measure will not even be voted on by the entire Assembly. Third, it does not include the state Senate or the governor. If Democrats had the desire, they could introduce, schedule and sign this legislation into law in a matter of weeks, prior to the introduction of Governor Doyle's budget. I am hopeful they act quickly and in a bipartisan way.
I support a comprehensive ban on fundraising for all state legislators and the governor during the budget process and will vote for it. This legislation will have the full weight of law and will encompass the Assembly, the Senate and the governor. Real reform on this issue is not accomplished by a simple Assembly rule. The public should demand a comprehensive ban and nothing less.
I want to hear from you, so please feel welcome to express your thoughts or let me know if I can be helpful to you in any way by calling (888) 534-0080, e-mailing me at Rep.Davis@legis.wi.gov or by writing or stopping by 11 West, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53708.
- Wisconsin State Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, serves the 80th Assembly District, which includes all of Green County and portions of Rock, Dane and Lafayette counties.
There will be times that we will respectfully disagree on how to reach a common policy goal, but we must understand that tough issues facing Wisconsin families, seniors and businesses don't just impact Republicans or Democrats, they affect everyone.
One way to demonstrate this willingness to work together is to approve bipartisan legislation to ban fundraising during the state budget process. In fact, the ban should start Jan. 1 of a budget year, well before the budget is even introduced. This common sense legislation has been introduced by Rep. Mark Gottlieb, R-Port Washington, and Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, R-River Falls. In past legislative sessions it has received support from both sides of the political aisle and should be one of the first bills approved in both the Assembly and Senate.
While Assembly Democrats are considering changing Assembly rules to prohibit representatives from fundraising during the budget process, this is not nearly comprehensive enough. Anything less than approving a state law to ban fundraising for state representatives, state senators and the governor would fall well short in the eyes of the public.
There are a few problems with approving a ban simply as an Assembly rule and not a state law. First, an Assembly rule has no teeth, no legal standing and no penalties. Second, the measure will not even be voted on by the entire Assembly. Third, it does not include the state Senate or the governor. If Democrats had the desire, they could introduce, schedule and sign this legislation into law in a matter of weeks, prior to the introduction of Governor Doyle's budget. I am hopeful they act quickly and in a bipartisan way.
I support a comprehensive ban on fundraising for all state legislators and the governor during the budget process and will vote for it. This legislation will have the full weight of law and will encompass the Assembly, the Senate and the governor. Real reform on this issue is not accomplished by a simple Assembly rule. The public should demand a comprehensive ban and nothing less.
I want to hear from you, so please feel welcome to express your thoughts or let me know if I can be helpful to you in any way by calling (888) 534-0080, e-mailing me at Rep.Davis@legis.wi.gov or by writing or stopping by 11 West, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53708.
- Wisconsin State Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, serves the 80th Assembly District, which includes all of Green County and portions of Rock, Dane and Lafayette counties.
