Dems Respond to Lame Duck Proposals

Zac Schultz:
We’ll have more on the homelessness issue later in the program but next we move across the aisle to Representative Dianne Hesselbein, the Assembly assistant minority leader. Thanks for being here today.

Dianne Hesselbein:
Thanks so much for inviting me. I appreciate the opportunity.

Zac Schultz:
What do we know about what’s in this extraordinary session package of bills?

Dianne Hesselbein:
Honestly, we’re not sure. As of this taping at 12 noon on Friday, we aren’t sure. We haven’t even seen proposals yet that’s going to be out. We’ve heard a lot of rumors what might be going on for Tuesday but we’re not sure.

Zac Schultz:
Some of the things they have confirmed talk about codifying some language that things that Governor Walker put in place with an executive order. Maybe referring to the voter ID package or some of the requirements for FoodShare. Do you think those are over the top to be trying to put in place and finalize things that have already been enacted just had some executive orders or do you think that’s too much as well?

Dianne Hesselbein:
I think it’s ridiculous we’re even having a special session on Tuesday and it’s Friday at noon and we don’t even know what’s going to be talked about or what we’re going to be debating on Tuesday. I don’t think we need to be having this discussion right now. I think people are used to it. We had an election just last month and I think the people of Wisconsin voted for change and they’re tired of this divide and conquer that we’ve had the last few years. Let’s move on together and think about ways we can work together moving forward and moving our state forward in a positive direction instead of these petty things they’re talking about right now.

Zac Schultz:
If there is a change to who appoints the CEO or WEDC or who puts the members on the board, is that a power grab?

Dianne Hesselbein:
I think it is. I think they need to stop doing that and really work the governor-elect Tony Evers and see what he wants to do and work together to move our state forward.

Zac Schultz:
Some of the other things we’ve heard about is moving the presidential primary in 2020 off of the April spring primary where a conservative member of the Supreme Court will be running for re-election. The theory is that there’s more Democratic voters in a presidential primary. Moving that away gives him a safer path to election. They’re saying they’re doing it just to avoid nonpartisan and partisan elections merging together. Do you buy that?

Dianne Hesselbein:
I don’t think that’s true. I think they’re just trying to rig the system again. And I just think once again, let’s move Wisconsin forward. I think it’s interesting that the municipal, the county clerks have come together saying that this might — this move might cost over $7 million in a time when we need to be working on healthcare, education, transportation. We can be better spending those dollars elsewhere. Not moving some election to make it favorable for one party or the other. Let’s keep it the way we always have and make sure the people in Wisconsin have a voice.

Zac Schultz:
Would you anticipate a lawsuit coming from somewhere? The last time Governor Walker and legislature tried to not hold elections for some of the specials that needed to be called, do you — there was a lawsuit that forced them that happen. Would you see one in this case too?

Dianne Hesselbein:
I’m not sure what people will do. But once again, I don’t exactly know what’s going to be on the Tuesday calendar so I’m not sure what that bill will look like and what their arguments are for it. I know Senator Fitzgerald was pretty clear in the press saying this is a partisan gimmick that they’re trying to do. I’m not sure what would happen after Tuesday.

Zac Schultz:
Another idea we’ve heard about has to do with ratifying some of the language in the Affordable Care Act to protect pre-existing conditions in state law. The Assembly has already passed that. The Senate held it up. Is that something at least Democrats could get behind?

Dianne Hesselbein:
You know, once again, it matters what the bill looks like. I certainly believe people in the state of Wisconsin want to be protected for pre-existing health conditions. That was talked about over and over on the campaign trail. People made it loud and clear when I was talking to voters all across the state of Wisconsin. They were worried about that. So I think that’s an important piece. But once again, until I see that language, I don’t know what that looks like.

Zac Schultz:
Is this a forecast of what we can expect in the next legislature in terms of bipartisanship and openness?

Dianne Hesselbein:
What I’m hoping is we can work together. Assembly Democrats have always been willing to try to reach across the aisle to find some common ground. Bipartisanship, certainly with transportation. Years ago, it used to be a very bipartisan issue and solution. I’m hoping we can work on that. Healthcare and education as well are things maybe we can find some common ground on.

Zac Schultz:
Has your caucus started to talk about what role you may have to play? For the last eight years, Democrats in the Assembly have really been only a protest voice, not even a protest vote in most cases. What role can you play?

Dianne Hesselbein:
Well certainly we’re going to be working closely with the Evers Administration. Moving forward. Seeing what their plan is. But everything is a moving piece right now. The transition team’s extremely busy now putting budget ideas together and things like that. So certainly, we’re looking forward to talking to governor-elect Evers within the coming weeks and seeing how we can be helpful moving forward.

Zac Schultz:
Are you optimistic in what you’re going to see in the budget?

Dianne Hesselbein:
I am. I think, loud and clear, we heard from the people of Wisconsin they want healthcare, education and transportation. I think working together with Republicans, we can make those issues a reality.

Zac Schultz:
Do you think most of the negotiation will occur between Republican leaders and governor’s administration or do you think Democrats in the legislature may have a role there too?

Dianne Hesselbein:
I think we’re going to have a huge role in there, too. I think we have the relationships right now. I have Republican colleagues that we talk to and I’m hoping we can come together and really move Wisconsin forward in a positive direction.

Zac Schultz:
Representative Hesselbein. Thanks for your time today.

Dianne Hesselbein:
Thanks for having me.