Last week, the Assembly ended the 2011-2012 biennial session with a marathon 33-hour work day. The Journal-Sentinel described the end of session as “grueling.” The State Journal said the all-nighter was a “lousy way to conduct the people’s business.” As Assistant Majority Leader, I couldn’t agree more—members on both sides of the aisle have a hard time staying awake over the course of a night, to say nothing of a lawmaker’s ability to follow debate across an entire 33 hour session.

But it is important to remember that these never-ending nights do not just happen. They are instead the logical result of a series of Assembly rules that collectively allow for unlimited debate and delay. As currently written, these rules—part of the overarching framework that govern how our body operates—encourage small factions of dissenters to hijack the democratic process.

For example, when a faction feels frustrated, or ignored, as must have been the case last week, Assembly rules allow for small factions to launch functional filibusters, delaying any consideration and vote on matters the majority had previously scheduled for debate. It was this sort of behavior that created last week’s all-nighter. The majority had agreed to vote on a number of proposals; a small faction took no notice and took control of the floor, refusing to allow the people’s business to move forward until their demands were heard.

I believe these rules need to be re-examined, and where appropriate—replaced. The people’s business should not be held hostage by any faction interested only in delay and disruption.

Careful reform of Assembly rules will ensure this body will function as intended: not as a debate club but as a place where the people’s representatives come together to try to solve Wisconsin’s problems.

I would like to thank students from Amy Belle Elementary School for making it to Madison to take a tour of their State Capitol. I would encourage you to contact my office if you are going to be touring the Capitol and my staff can setup a photo of your group.

CITATION BY THE LEGISLATURE

KNOW YOU BY THESE PRESENTS:

WHEREAS, The Germantown High School Boys Basketball team defeated Milwaukee King 72-69 to win the WIAA Division 1 Championship game under the leadership of Coach Steve Showalter; and

WHEREAS, The Germantown High School Boys Basketball team, with their outstanding work ethic and commitment to teamwork, were able to go undefeated (28-0) this season and win every game but two by double digits; and

WHEREAS, The Germantown High School Boys Basketball team, through dedication and leadership, established themselves as role models in their school and community; and

WHEREAS, Coach Steve Showalter, through dedicated leadership and determination, led his team to victory; and

THEREFORE, Senator Alberta Darling and Representative Dan Knodl do hereby commend the WIAA Division 1 Champions, the Germantown High School Boys Basketball team, on their outstanding season and first state title.

State Capitol
Madison, Wisconsin
March 20, 2012