In a unanimous decision that sent ripples through Wisconsin’s political landscape, the state Supreme Court sided with the Republican-controlled legislature in a high-stakes showdown over Governor Tony Evers’ veto powers. The ruling centers around a Republican-backed bill focused on improving K-12 literacy.

The court deemed Governor Evers’ partial veto of the bill invalid. This bill, initially signed into law by the Governor, established a new early literacy coaching program and provided grants for schools adopting approved reading curricula. The crux of the issue lies in the allocation of $50 million for this initiative. Republicans placed these funds in a separate emergency fund, under the control of the Legislature’s budget committee, a move the Governor challenged through a partial veto.

The Supreme Court’s decision effectively limits the Governor’s ability to amend legislation, impacting his ability to shape the state budget and potentially influencing future legislative battles. This ruling has significant implications for the ongoing power struggle between the executive and legislative branches in Wisconsin and sets a precedent for future veto challenges.

The original bill aimed to bolster reading skills among K-12 students through targeted funding and program implementation. The court’s ruling now leaves the future of this funding, and the program’s effectiveness, hanging in the balance, setting the stage for further political maneuvering and debate.