On April 1, a constitutional amendment addressing the veto power of Wisconsin governors will be up for vote. The power in question has been dubbed the “Frankenstein” veto by many critics for granting the ability to stitch together fragments of a bills’ sentences in a manner similar to Dr. Frankenstein’s creation of his monster.
Despite the date of the election, this is no April fool’s prank, and the choice in this matter is an easy one: Vote “yes” to amend the “Frankenstein” veto.
Such power is widely opposed throughout the state of Wisconsin, as the state Assembly voted 94-1 in favor of the bill in January. Even Gov. Jim Doyle, prior to taking office, was weary of the “Frankenstein” veto, unique to the state of Wisconsin. Since he became governor, though, Doyle has abused the veto like others before him.
Such was the case in the 2005 budget, where Doyle reduced over 750 words from a portion of the budget to a single, 20-word sentence in order to transfer $427 million dollars from the state transportation fund to the general fund. The amount came from various other numbers presented in the original bill. These provisions, not intended or approved by lawmakers, shows the outlandish amount of power this veto grants the governor in constructing a budget.
Voting to remove such an unnecessary power ensures that such an abuse never happens again. Similar action was taken in 1990’s amendment of the “Vanna White” veto, which stripped then-Gov. Tommy Thompson of his ability to veto individual letters to spell out new words. Amending the “Frankenstein” veto is the next logical step in ensuring fair play.
Wisconsin voters did the right thing in 1990, ensuring a separation of powers by stripping the governor of their ability to make unnecessary changes to laws. Wisconsin voters have another chance to ensure that policies, taxes and spending amounts are a concern for lawmakers, not the governor.
Bipartisan support of this amendment is sweeping, and for good reason. End this abuse of power and vote “yes” on April 1 to amend the “Frankenstein veto” and end the twisting of Wisconsin legislature’s intentions.
