Unfortunately, special session a waste of time and money

What a waste of time, and taxpayer money. Governor Tony Evers has called a special session of the Legislature to convene next month to take up two bills relating to gun violence. His executive order requires the Legislature to meet, with two gun-related items on the agenda. But in Wisconsin, although the Governor can use an executive order to force a special session, he cannot require members of the Legislature to actually vote on the agenda items, or even to debate them. As a result, it is expected Republican leaders of the Assembly and Senate will call the special session to order, and then immediately adjourn. Not so much as a discussion as to how to keep our communities safe from gun violence. That is a complete waste of taxpayer money. Lawmakers will travel to Madison from all corners of the state, at taxpayer expense, to conduct a sham meeting. Those lawmakers should not be able to claim their per-diems to cover the cost of lodging and meals, because those per-deims are to be paid only when they are in Madison to work. Conducting a charade is hardly work. Wisconsin’s law should be changed so we don’t have to witness such a carnival again. If a Governor has the power to call a special session, that authority is meaningless unless it actually leads to a debate, and a vote.