Chippewa Valley Times

MADISON – A new nonpartisan Legislative Reference Bureau memo released today highlights ten instances over the last two administrations where the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) has released funds following a partial veto. This follows a memo from Senator Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) yesterday, which stated that JFC has the authority to release funds for the HSHS closure crisis.

Despite this, Co-Chairs Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) and Representative Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam) have expressed legal concerns about releasing the funds. The new memo indicates that JFC has taken similar actions ten times in recent history.

"Republicans want people to think they can’t release the $15 million, but in fact they’ve done it at least ten times in recent history," said Senator Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick). "Let’s face it, the co-chairs of JFC saying they’re scared to do something that they’ve already done ten times before isn’t fear – it’s gutlessness and callousness for people suffering in the Chippewa Valley."

Marklein and Born have mentioned their concern that Governor Tony Evers (D-Wisconsin) might pursue legal action against the legislature if they affirm what he has requested.

"This is the weirdest and saddest excuse yet – cowering about litigation from the Governor for doing what he requested – I mean, come on," said Senator Jeff Smith. "The excuses are beyond ridiculous at this point. They’ve done it before – just do it again."

It should be noted that Chippewa Valley Republicans initially created this situation by splitting the HSHS closure funding bills into a policy bill and a funding bill to sidestep the Governor’s veto authority. After consulting with area health care providers, Governor Evers vetoed restrictions authored by area Republicans on the policy bill and then signed the funding bill into law.

"Only Republicans can create a mess as big as this and then attempt to justify their inaction with the dumbest excuses," said Senator Jeff Smith. "Thankfully, Chippewa Valley residents aren’t buying it anymore. Republicans are playing politics while people suffer – it is political ignorance and illusion despite hard evidence for them to do their jobs."