Turn up the heat?
Article V Section 4 of the Wisconsin State Constitution states:He [the Governor] shall have power to convene the legislature on extraordinary occasions,
In my Civics class, the "power to convene" meant they actually showed up. This isn't an invitation to a Packer Party, but a call for the Legislature to come together to address what the top elected official in the State has deemed a critical issue.
Today's case was providing emergency funds for Heating Assistance for low and low-mid income families. Considering heating prices have nearly doubled in the last two years and as of April 15 (which is NOT the end of most Wisconsin winters) Utilities can and will shut off customers who are behind on their bills, I would have to agree with Gov. Doyle that this is indeed a critical issue.
Apparently the elected officials of our Legislative Branch don't agree. Nor do they consider the "power to convene" to mean anything more than a message the Assembly and Senate chambers will be open if they decide they want to meet. Only two Assembly and seven Senate members bothered to respect the Constitution. Only two Assembly and seven Senate members seem to think that family heating costs are a critical issue.
The Democrats have already blasted the Republicans -- but I am pretty sure there are more than nine Democratic legislators in Wisconsin. I know the Republicans have made some strong gains recently, but not that strong. The Republicans' excuse is they will work on a bill in the coming weeks - that doesn't excuse them from their Constitutional duy to attend Legislative Sessions however.
The irony of course is that I have no doubt that maintenance staff at the Capitol made sure that both Chambers were fully heated this morning!
posted by Walton @ 3:48 PM
3 Comments:
I like the site. I found it very funny when Doyle blasted the republicans for not showing up and he had less than 20% of the democrats there as well. I personally am not for the plan. If they wanted to make a fair plan all families should get the tax break. As I may have mentioned before before the comment line on the observer was shut down, people have to learn to tighten their belt when times get tough. personally I have not noticed a doubling of my heating bills, higher yes but not doubled.
Thanks for the comment/compliment.
Ironically, one of the main criticisms by Republican Senator Fitzgerald (co-chair of the Joint Committee on Finance) is that it provides too many benefits to the middle class. I was floored when I saw that comment!
My bills haven't doubled since last year - more like 40-50% bigger. But compare to five years ago and then compare that to the level of federal heating assistance which has remained relatively flat.
But you are right about only 20% of Democrats showing up - both sides should feel ashamed for ignoring their Constitutional responsiblities.
also though there were many reps that had posted they would be gone this week and doyle tried to use this as a bash on them knowing they would be gone. the republicans put through a 10million dollar proposal in dec but they (some rep/ mostly all dems) voted it down
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