Members of the Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections heard testimony Wednesday about merging the state Elections and Ethics Board into one entity, a step lawmakers say is the first substantial move toward cleaning up Wisconsin politics.
State Sen. Michael Ellis, R-Neenah, first introduced this proposed legislation. In his testimony Wednesday, Ellis said Senate Bill 1 is one of many steps in combating the accusations of Capitol corruption that have plagued the Wisconsin Legislature.
If passed, SB 1 would create three divisions, including a newly-instituted independent enforcement division. According to Ellis, the independent enforcement division would be responsible for initial investigation if questions of ethical misconduct arise.
'We have an obligation that the atmosphere in which this democracy functions does not corrupt people,' Ellis said. 'This is the first major step to restore credibility that we are people of integrity.'
State Rep. Fred Kessler, D-Milwaukee, questioned Ellis, citing past investigations he said were drawn out far too long.
'[There's a] problem in terms of the possibility of investigators going on forever and ever,' Kessler said. 'I don't want the taxpayers to be ripped off.'
Ellis said investigation longevity was an important concern, but he said he is more than willing to work out any misgivings that may prevent this bill from passing the Assembly.
'I look forward to working with constructive changes if they develop,' Ellis said.
State Assembly lead for SB 1, state Rep. Terri McCormick, R-Appleton, stressed the importance of the proposal and said she is urging her House to take up the issue.
'This is the most pervasive issue before us. It's a critical first step to create a first pass'very much like a grand jury,' McCormick said. 'This bill will help all of us.'
She said in light of the corruption throughout Wisconsin and Washington, D.C., an enforcement board would help to identify what the law states and clarify what situations would be considered unethical.
'Unfortunately, Wisconsin is not immune from ethics violations,' McCormick said. 'I choose to be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.'
