Why it matters: Wisconsin Republicans have rejected over 500 proposals put forward by Governor Tony Evers, including a proposal to legalize cannabis, paid family leave, and a plan to pay for upgrades to the Milwaukee Brewers’ stadium.
What they are saying: Evers called the move “foolish” and argued that the state’s record-high $7 billion budget surplus should be used to invest in state spending priorities. The rejected cannabis plan would have allowed adults over 21 to purchase and possess up to two ounces of cannabis for personal use and grow up to six plants, potentially generating $44.4 million for the state.
The big picture: The Republican-controlled legislature has previously removed cannabis reform language from past budget proposals and warned that they would not allow an adult-use cannabis legalization proposal to progress. However, there is bipartisan support for legal cannabis among Wisconsin voters, with 69% of registered voters believing cannabis should be legal, and continuing to stall on legalization could take away potential state revenue.
What to watch: Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin are reportedly working to privately build support for a medical cannabis program aimed to gain bipartisan support and potentially to be enacted into law later this year. However, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos is opposed to legalizing recreational cannabis and does not want to create a medical program to act as a precursor to the adult-use market.
Give your take: The rejection of the cannabis proposal and other spending priorities by Wisconsin Republicans may reflect the ongoing partisan divide on key issues like cannabis legalization. However, with broad bipartisan support for legal cannabis among Wisconsin voters and the potential for significant state revenue, it remains to be seen whether lawmakers will take action in the coming months.
