Republican lawmakers plan to try to override Gov. Tony Evers' vetoes -- and prevent future ones

Molly Beck , Patrick Marley | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

MADISON - Republicans who control the state Assembly will try to override three of Gov. Tony Evers' budget vetoes Thursday, but Democrats promise to block the effort.

The move comes as Republicans in the Senate took the first step Tuesday to limit the ability of Evers and future governors to issue future vetoes.

They are trying to change the state constitution to prevent governors from increasing spending through budget vetoes. It's a response to vetoes Evers issued this summer to boost school spending by $65 million.

Also Tuesday, Senate Republicans blocked bipartisan legislation that would provide $4 million to fight homelessness. Tuesday was the Senate's last session day of the year, so the funding won't be available for at least the first half of the winter.

The Assembly's plans to try to override Evers' vetoes will come the same day lawmakers are being asked by Evers to enact universal background checks for gun purchases and establish a red-flag law that would allow guns to be taken away from people deemed to be dangers. Republican lawmakers have said they will quickly end the special session without passing the measures.

RELATED: Gun control is in the spotlight again; here's what you need to know about red-flag laws and background checks

Assembly Republicans plan to try to override vetoes that halted $15 million for a crisis center in northern Wisconsin; blocked $5 million a year for doctors who care for people in state health-care programs; and gave the administration more leeway in how it could spend $500,000 a year in treatment services.

Evers shifted the funds for the crisis center to the Mendota Juvenile Treatment Center in Madison. The facility is one of several meant to take in inmates now held at a teen prison scheduled to close in 2021.

Overriding a veto requires a two-thirds majority in both houses. Republicans control the Assembly 63-36 and the Senate 19-14 — shy of the two-thirds margin.

Constitutional amendment

On a 19-14, party-line vote, the Senate approved Senate Joint Resolution 59, the measure that would prevent budget vetoes that increase spending.

It heads to the Assembly. If approved there, it would return to the Legislature in 2021 for a second round of approval.

From there, the proposal would go to voters in a statewide referendum for final approval. That could put it into effect before the next state budget is written in 2021.

Wisconsin governors have the broadest veto authority in the country. They can cross out words to rewrite budgets and create new laws that have no resemblance to what lawmakers approved.

The state Supreme Court over decades has repeatedly upheld the veto powers of governors, but last month the justices agreed to take a case challenging some of Evers' budget vetoes.

Over the years, voters have curbed how governors can use their vetoes. They're no longer allowed to strike out letters within words to create new words or string together words from two or more sentences to create new sentences.

Still, their veto powers are vast and Republicans want to prevent them from spending more than what lawmakers have approved.

No homeless funding

On their last session day of the year, the Senate is not planning to take up bipartisan legislation to spend $4 million on fighting homelessness.

Democrats tried to force a vote on the measures, but Republicans blocked the effort.

The Assembly in September approved a suite of bills that would provide $4 million in efforts to combat homelessness. The measures have enjoyed bipartisan support and build upon efforts started under Republican Gov. Scott Walker.

"It's getting cold out there. We need that money," said Democratic Sen. Bob Wirch of Somers.

Joseph Volk, executive director of the Wisconsin Coalition Against Homelessness, said it was ridiculous that senators this fall gave more attention to making bestiality a felony than providing funding for those who don't have a place to stay in the winter.

"It’s good to know that they acted with such speed to protect cows and goats. I guess homeless children will just have to wait," Volk said in a statement.

Miller Park sales tax

On a unanimous vote, the Senate sent Evers a bill that would end by March the 0.1% sales tax that has paid for the construction of Miller Park. The Assembly approved the measure, Assembly Bill 73, in June.

The tax has been in place since 1996 in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, Waukesha and Racine counties.

Drunken driving

Fifth and six offenses for drunken driving would be subject to sentences of at least a year and a half in prison in most cases under Senate Bill 6. Judges could impose shorter times behind bars if they believed it would be in the best interest of the community and would not put the public at risk.

Now, those found guilty of fifth and sixth offenses are subject to mandatory minimum sentences of six months.

The Senate approved the measure on a voice vote, sending it to the Assembly.

The Senate on a voice vote signed off on Assembly Bill 17, which would require judges in most cases to sentence people to at least five years in prison if they are found guilty of killing someone while driving drunk. Judges would have to find a compelling reason to sentence someone to less time in prison.

The Assembly passed the bill in June. It goes to Evers for final approval.

Trespassing

The Senate approved on a voice vote a measure that would expand the scope of penalties that can be imposed on those who damage or trespass on properties operated by energy companies.

State law already makes it illegal to damage such properties, but Assembly Bill 426 would broaden the definition of properties affected. The Assembly passed the bill last month and it heads to Evers now.

Prostitution

Children under 18 could not be charged with prostitution under Senate Bill 49. The Senate passed it on a voice vote, sending it to the Assembly.

Senate Bill 247 would allow those selling property to record people during open houses and private showings. Recordings could not be made in bathrooms. It was sent to the Assembly on a voice vote.

Senate Bill 334 would broaden protections for college students who are called up for active military duty. All students called up for active duty would be able to complete their coursework later or get their fees reimbursed.

It was approved on a voice vote and heads to the Assembly.

Contact Patrick Marley at patrick.marley@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @patrickdmarley.