"Wisconsin has never seen anything like this:" Governor-elect Evers responds to Republican legislation votes

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MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58 / AP) -- Wisconsin's incoming Democratic governor is condemning moves by Republicans legislators to weaken his power.

Governor-elect Tony Evers said Wednesday that Republicans have overridden the will of voters who chose Democrats in last month's election. He says a handful of people desperately want to "cling to power."

The Republican-controlled Legislature approved sweeping changes early Wednesday that weaken the governor's ability to make rules that enact laws. The legislation also shields the state jobs agency from his control until September and cuts into the powers of the incoming Democratic attorney general, Josh Kaul. 

Governor-elect Evers full statement reads:

"Wisconsin has never seen anything like this. Power-hungry politicians rushed through sweeping changes to our laws to expand their own power and override the will of the people of Wisconsin who asked for change on November 6th.
Wisconsin values of decency, kindness, and finding common ground were pushed aside so a handful of people could desperately usurp and cling to power while hidden away from the very people they represent.
Wisconsinites expect more from us and I hope at some point the Legislature will rise to the occasion and work with me to solve the pressing issues facing our state. That’s what the people of Wisconsin want, that’s what the people of Wisconsin deserve, and that’s more than what they got from government here tonight."

Evers also held a news conference in Madison Wednesday, speaking alongside Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, Attorney General-elect Josh Kaul, and State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski; all Democrats who won statewide races.

"The will of the people has officially been ignored by the legislature. Their actions last night, I understand they made some superficial changes and things, but their actions last night absolutely takes us back to November 6 and the fact of the matter is the four of us won those races," said Governor-elect Tony Evers (D).

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos says lawmakers are just making sure they don't get run over by the new Governor after having a good working relationship with Governor Scott Walker over the past eight years.

Evers called the bills an embarrassment.

Outgoing Republican Governor Scott Walker attended George H.W. Bush's funeral on Wednesday. He has indicated he will likely sign the lame-duck session bills but has not said he definitely will.

 

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