Here & Now

Court Rules Lame Duck Session Constitutional

Frederica Freyberg:
The governor’s press conference preceded the release of a much anticipated decision this morning in Wisconsin’s high court. In a four to three decision, the state Supreme Court upheld the actions of Republican lawmakers during their December lame duck session. That session passed laws limiting the powers of the governor and state attorney general. The court dismissed the argument that the session was called unconstitutionally. In a statement released this morning, Governor Evers said, “Today’s decision is disappointing, and unfortunately, all too predictable,” he said. “It is based on a desired political outcome, not the plain meaning and text of the constitution. The people of Wisconsin deserve better than this.” Republican leaders, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald released a joint statement which said “The court upheld a previously non-controversial legislative practice used by both parties for decades to enact some of the most important laws in the state.” Another case challenging the lame duck session is pending before the high court. Two federal cases are also pending.