The 400-Year School Funding Puzzle

The Wisconsin governor has a unique tool at his disposal: a powerful veto that can alter budget bills in significant ways. This tool was recently put to the test when the governor used it to secure a massive, 400-year increase in school funding. The state's highest court had to weigh in, and their decision has sparked a heated debate. The governor's move was bold. He changed the year "2025" to "2425" in a budget bill, effectively extending a funding increase for public schools far into the future. This isn't just about money; it's about power. The governor's veto can strike out words, numbers, and even punctuation to create new meanings or spending amounts. This power is unmatched in other states, where governors can only reduce or eliminate spending. The court's ruling was close, with a 4-3 vote in favor of the governor. The majority agreed that the governor's veto was within the bounds of the state constitution. They acknowledged that a 400-year change is significant, but they didn't see a problem with it. This decision has opened up a can of worms, with critics arguing that it gives governors too much power. The governor's opponents, including some lawmakers and business groups, argued that this veto was unconstitutional. They pointed to a 1990 amendment that banned governors from striking individual letters to create new words. But the governor countered that this ban doesn't apply to his veto, as he was simply using the partial veto process allowed by law. The court's decision has implications beyond this single veto. It's a reminder of the ongoing power struggle between the governor and the legislature. This veto power has been a tool for both Republicans and Democrats to reshape spending bills. But with this ruling, the governor's power has been amplified, and the legislature may find it harder to push back. The court also suggested alternatives for the legislature. They could pass a constitutional amendment to curb the governor's veto power or draft budget bills in a way that prevents such sweeping vetoes. But these are long-term solutions, and the immediate impact of the ruling is clear: the governor's veto power is stronger than ever. The debate over this veto highlights a broader issue: the balance of power between the governor and the legislature. This isn't just about school funding; it's about who has the final say in how the state's money is spent. The court's ruling has tipped the scales in the governor's favor, and it's up to the legislature to find a way to balance them again.