Democratic lawmakers questioned the transparency of legislation passed Wednesday, a day when the state Legislature was originally meant to be closed.
The legislation will overhaul the current Department of Commerce, create a wetland registration exemption in Brown County and give the governor more authority in administrative matters.
State Rep. Kelda Helen Roys, D-Madison, said in a statement the new bills would allow Gov. Scott Walker to disregard Wisconsin's laws and allow taxpayer money to be given out to private corporations.
""During a snow storm when public agencies are closed and many major roads remain impassible, Republican legislators passed bills that eliminate transparency,"" Roys said.
State Rep. Sondy Pope-Roberts, D-Middleton, agreed the bill will be counterproductive.
""With a stubborn unemployment still hurting too many Wisconsin families, Republicans believe the most pressing priority is passing legislation to help one guy in the Fox Valley skirt the rules,"" Pope-Roberts said.
State Rep. Joe Knilans, R- Janesville, said he sees the legislation as a positive step.
""The bills create efficient and accountable government plus fostering an environment that should encourage fiscal growth,"" he said.
Although the governor did not do anything illegal, by first ordering the Legislature to be closed and then reopening it shortly after created confusion, Pope-Roberts' spokesperson said Thursday.
""It didn't leave a lot of clarity on the issue,"" he said.
—Samy Moskol
