The opening of January's state legislative session is sure to deliver a wide array of important debates for Wisconsin legislators. Ranging from traditional fiscal to new hot-button moral issues, no Wisconsin resident will be left unaffected by its decisions.
The proposal to create a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman promises to raise its head early in the session.
During the last legislative session, the same-sex marriage ban passed both the Senate and Assembly. If the proposal again passes both houses this session, it will be sent to the public in the form of a referendum in April.
For State Rep. Don Friske, R-Merrill, a vote in favor of the same-sex marriage ban would be an easy one.
\I think the primary issue in my constituents' minds is morality. There's probably some tradition involved,"" Friske said. ""It's really a pretty simple vote for me.""
However, Madison-area representatives voiced frustration with the possible amendment.
State Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Madison, said his constituents opposed the amendment.
""They're more concerned with job creation or health care,"" he said. ""We only have a certain amount of session time.""
The Personal Possession Act, also known as the Conceal and Carry Act, is another probable legislative topic this session.
Rep. Friske sees the act as filling an unmet need in Wisconsin, since the state currently has no process through which citizens can apply to carry firearms.
""Whether you're a battered wife, an individual who transports significant amounts of money, someone who leaves the office late at night or receives death threats, there is no legal application process,"" he said.
Madison-area legislators objected to the bill, however. State Representative Spencer Black, D-Madison, was particularly concerned the act would allow concealed weapons on UW System campuses.
According to Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, nearly all of the incumbent legislators from last session are returning, meaning the law's passage this term is plausible.
Last year, a similar act very nearly passed, failing to override the governor's veto by only one vote in the State Assembly.
Legislators also unanimously agreed some form of property tax reform would surface during the upcoming session.
""I think we heard pretty loudly in the fall that people were concerned about property tax,"" Pocan said.
The Taxpayers' Bill of Rights, also known as TABOR, appears a likely consideration. TABOR would be a constitutional amendment requiring the passing of two sessions. Though welcomed by Republicans, TABOR unnerves Democrats because it freezes the amount a government can tax, often creating shortfalls in funding for organizations.
""[TABOR] is budget cuts on steroids,"" Black stated. Black said a reduction in university quality would be a likely result of a TABOR amendment.
""Many of your public servants are opposed to it, your educational community is opposed to it, a lot of your public officers oppose it,"" Risser said.
Yet Friske said TABOR offered many benefits to Wisconsin taxpayers, including assurance in governmental fiscal responsibility.
