Here & Now

Supreme Court Hears More Lame Duck Challenges

Frederica Freyberg:

Now for a look at other state news, including the retirement of UW System President Ray Cross. Cross has led the UW System since 2014. Before that, he was chancellor at UW Colleges. He’ll continue to serve until a search committee determines his replacement. Also this week, the Wisconsin Supreme Court heard arguments in a lawsuit challenging lame duck laws. The case was filed by a coalition of unions this past February, including the Service Employees International. The unions contend that the state’s lame duck laws are shifting powers from the executive branch to the legislative branch and therefore are unconstitutional. Much of the hearing focused on the reduced power of Attorney General Josh Kaul, who under the new law must confer with lawmakers before leaving federal lawsuits or settling cases for the state. The Supreme Court has yet to rule on this case.