The Latest on Wisconsin Republican lawmakers moving to limit the powers of the incoming Democratic governor and attorney general (all times local):
10:45 a.m.
Wisconsin’s incoming Democratic governor is condemning moves by Republicans legislators to weaken his power.
Gov.-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.
Outgoing Republican Gov. Scott Walker has signaled he supports the legislation.
Wisconsin Republicans, just weeks away from losing control of the governor and attorney general's offices, planned dramatic lame-duck votes Tuesday on a sweeping attempt to limit the powers of incoming Democrats. The move is sparking protests. (Dec. 4)
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8:20 a.m.
The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature has approved a sweeping package of billsweakening the incoming Democratic governor and attorney general.
The state Assembly approved the lame-duck legislation Wednesday morning. The Wisconsin Senate did the same less than three hours earlier after lawmakers worked through most of the night.
The bills now go to outgoing Republican Gov. Scott Walker, who has signaled his support.
The measures would limit the governor’s ability to promulgate administrative rules, which enact laws and give lawmakers the power to control appointees to the state economic development agency’s board.
The measures would also require the attorney general to get legislative approval to withdraw from lawsuits. That move is designed to block Democratic Gov.-elect Tony Evers from allowing the incoming attorney general, Democrat Josh Kaul, to withdraw Wisconsin from a multistate lawsuit challenging the Affordable Care Act.
The measures also restrict early in-person voting to two weeks before an election.
