Slow down Madison

Hey Madison, could you slow down a bit? That is the message from State Rep. Peter Barca, who is critical of the Wisconsin Legislature’s rushed agenda. He thinks, correctly, that more time spent debating important issues would ultimately lead to better solutions. Unfortunately, that is not traditionally how the Wisconsin Legislature conducts its business. Our lawmakers tend to involve the public in their decision making very rarely. They seem much more comfortable with pulling all-nighters, and approving legislation in the middle of the night after a flurry of debate, and while the rest of us are sleeping. The Legislature will convene again next week, and Governor Walker is asking lawmakers to approve a series of legislative ideas he wants them to approve. But the legislature is only scheduled to be in session until March. Barca argues if there was more time, they could better involve the public, and ultimately find better solutions. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos disagrees, saying people are upset with Washington continually dragging its feet on big issues. But that doesn’t mean Wisconsin has to move so quickly that they can’t find time to hold public hearings to gather input before casting a vote. Our lawmakers should slow down a bit, and give the important issues the debate they deserve.