Republicans warn of future consequences after Wisconsin ballot initiative failures

(The Center Square) – Democratic lawmakers and left-leaning organizations are celebrating voters' rejection of two ballot proposals that would have empowered the legislature to have a say in certain spending decision.

But others are warning a Republican governor could change Democrats' minds in the future.

“Tonight, voters had the final say. Wisconsinites rejected GOP power grabs, and chose responsive and effective government,” Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Ben Wikler said. “Republican politicians in Madison pushed these amendments because they recognized their grip on power was waning with new, fair maps, and they were desperate to cement their extreme agenda into Wisconsin’s Constitution.”

The two referendums would have required the governor to include the state's legislature in spending decisions regarding certain federal funding, which supporters argued would enhance fiscal responsibility. Opponents claimed the amendments were simply a Republican power grab.

“Voters are clearly tired of these underhanded tactics and won’t be fooled by tricks and dishonesty,” said Kerry Schumann, executive director of Wisconsin Conservation Voters, one of the groups that opposed the amendments. “This is a victory for Wisconsin and will allow the efficient mobilization of federal funding when necessary for everything from natural disaster response to childcare services.”

While Democrats are celebrating however, supporters of the failed amendments caution that a future Republican governor could make liberal voters regret their choice.

“The triumphalism over the constitutional amendments is amusing,” Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty President Rick Esenberg posted on his personal X account. “Sure you win when you outspend the other side by 12 to 1. Good on you and the gravy train will keep rolling. But if it turns out to be President Trump and Governor - IDK - Tiffany, you may not like its direction,” he said, referring to Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany.

Members of the Institute for Reforming Government agreed.

“These amendments would prevent all future governors, R or D, from unilaterally spending federal funds,” General Counsel Jake Curtis posted on social media. “No governor, R or D, should have absolute authority over federal funds.”

Wisconsin is one of only 16 states that allows the governor to spend certain federal funding without consulting the state legislature.