MADISON, Wis. — New political observers in Wisconsin may have tuned in to this past election, and now may be wondering what is ahead with the Legislative session.
News 3 Now posed that question to the state’s longest-serving Assembly speaker ahead of the start of the session next week: what exactly should political newcomers know about how the state’s legislative process works?
He said at first glance, anyone trying to compare the session to the campaign should be prepared for a different tenor of debate. That is why the Legislature conducts most of its work between January of odd-numbered years and spring of even-numbered (election) years.
“We try to draw a very bright line between the political season and the policy season,” Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, said.
Vos himself would know; he has been in the Assembly since 2004 and has led the larger of Wisconsin’s two legislative chambers for roughly a decade. He gets to set the agenda in the Assembly, which is similar to the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Republican speaker does not get the final say, however — Wisconsin’s Democratic governor still has the power to veto bills, meaning any legislation hoping to make it through this next session must be an agreement reached by both sides. Vos said that can sometimes lead to tension.
“We try to find consensus when we can,. but ultimately, we are a 50-50 state. We are super competitive, which means you’re going to hear arguing, but arguing isn’t a bad thing. Right?” the speaker said.
“I don’t think that arguing is a bad thing,” Vos added. “As long as you respect the other person’s opinion and at the end of the day, realize that sometimes their ideas are better than yours.”
MORE COVERAGE:
- Vos talks legislative priorities in next session, Trump impact
- Neubauer talks Democratic priorities for the new year
- Evers on his second term in ‘a purple state’
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