Robson: Transparency, Good Government First Order of Business
Senate Democrats to Pass Reforms to Restore Public Confidence
State Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson (D-Beloit) said today a series of changes to the way the Wisconsin State Senate does its business will be the first priority with the new session now underway.
“Before we go about debating public policy reflecting the priorities of the people of this great state, it is important we first ensure the integrity of this institution is preserved,” Robson said.
Robson said the new Senate Democratic majority will implement rules to ensure transparency in the process. This includes ending the ability of Senate committees to vote on legislation via secret ballot, unless in instances of threats to public safety or health.
“This practice had been used in the past largely out of legislative convenience but it also allowed committees to take executive action on bills out of the public eye, by using these paper ballots. This will be a change for some Senators who have come accustomed to doing things a certain way, but the people of this state need to know we’re serious about opening this process and shining bright lights on what we’re doing here,” Robson said.
Among the other reforms:
A requirement that bills have a public hearing before they’re eligible for a vote on the floor of the full Senate. This will ensure the public has an opportunity to comment before bills are passed.
A waiting period between when legislation is introduced and when a public hearing is held on it. This will allow the public adequate time to prepare comments and testimony.
“It’s hard to believe that before there was a way to rush a bill to the floor without even allowing a chance for public review and comment. The process of making public policy needs to include the public,” Robson said.
“I sincerely hope these and the other changes will reaffirm public confidence in the way we work in the Wisconsin State Senate,” Robson said.
