But Robert Kraig of Wisconsin Citizen Action, an advocacy group, claims Walker is using the budget crisis to strongarm legislators and the public. "This whole notion that we're in an emergency so he must make massive changes quickly that affect people's lives is a very disturbing trend," he says. "We've seen it over and over now. Some reporters want to frame it as him getting things done and being effective, but the cost is that we get no serious public discussion. The legislative process is supposed to allow time for public input and discussion and understanding before such major decisions are made. This is fundamentally undemocratic."

So undemocratic that it could be legally challenged? Riemer raises that possibility, noting in an e-mail that the measure would "invite litigation."

"It undermines the constitutional balance of power between the executive and legislative branches by abrogating the law-writing function of the Legislature," Riemer notes.

Riemer argues the Medicaid provisions would establish dangerous legal precedent, asking "If this law allowing agency rules to trump statuatory language that's still on the books is valid" what would stop other agencies from doing the same?