Despite allegations of corruption and convictions of former lawmakers, legislative action on ethics reform remains stagnant, according to the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.
Senate Bill 1, introduced by state Sen. Michael Ellis, R-Neenah, would set out to merge the state Ethics and Elections Boards into one entity. The accountability board would then have independent oversight to investigate and prosecute wrongdoings.
The problem isn't our laws. The problem is enforcement of those laws,\ Ellis said in a statement. ""I introduced SB 1 because for a variety of reasons, our state watchdog agencies have proven to be unable or unwilling to enforce those laws.""
Mike McCabe, executive director for the WDC, said though SB 1 technically is not dead yet, ""it's certainly on life support.""
McCabe added that although state Assembly leaders pledged action on SB 1 for the last legislative in-session beginning Tuesday, many lawmakers do not want to vote on it.
""But now it has become real clear that we can't take that promise for granted. It looks like they're back pedaling on that pledge to bring it up for a vote. The reality is that most legislators don't want this bill to be enacted,"" McCabe said. ""They would rather not see this become law, but they don't want to vote against it in public. The strategy now is to just keep it from coming up for a vote.""
He said it is especially frustrating given the support SB 1 has garnered after passage in the state Senate and a promise of approval from the governor.
McCabe said legislative inaction is very indicative of the current political climate at the Capitol.
""We have a culture of corruption that has taken root and we've watched this parade of some of the most powerful legislators into the court room and now into jail cells,"" he said. ""They've been criminally charged with political corruption and five top lawmakers have been convicted and getting jail sentences.""
Additionally, Dane County Executive and Democratic nominee for state Attorney General, Kathleen Falk, called on ethics reform in a statement last Thursday.
Falk introduced a comprehensive plan aiming to strengthen political ethics in the state.
""Wisconsin has a proud history of progressive, open government that is accountable to citizens and responsive to them,"" Falk said in a statement. ""My package of ethics reform will help restore integrity to our political process and reassure citizens their government works for them.""\
