Chippewa Valley Times

MADISON – Following the release of a Legislative Council memo yesterday, a new nonpartisan Legislative Reference Bureau memo has highlighted ten instances over the last two administrations where the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) released funds after a partial veto. This development comes amid ongoing discussions about the JFC's authority to address the HSHS closure crisis.

Senator Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) had previously disseminated a nonpartisan Legislative Council memo affirming that JFC holds the authority to release funds for this crisis. Despite this, Co-Chairs Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) and Representative Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam) expressed legal concerns regarding fund allocation.

"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," stated Senator Jeff Smith. "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."

Representative Jodi Emerson echoed these sentiments: "Let’s make this abundantly clear - it is a deliberate choice by Republicans to not release these funds. It’s time for JFC to meet and do the people’s work. Lives are on the line."

The Republican co-chairs have cited concerns that Governor Tony Evers (D-Wisconsin) might pursue legal action against the legislature if they approve his request.

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

The situation originated when Chippewa Valley Republicans split funding bills related to HSHS closure into separate policy and funding bills, aiming to circumvent the Governor's veto power. The Governor subsequently vetoed restrictions imposed by area Republicans on the policy bill while signing off on the funding bill.

"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 the epitome of political ignorance and illusion despite hard evidence for them to do their jobs."