Carpenter Calls on GOP to Reverse WEDC Lame Duck Bill

Carpenter Calls on GOP to Reverse WEDC Lame Duck Bill

(MADISON) – State Senator Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee) today called on Senate Majority
Leader Scott Fitzgerald and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos to introduce legislation reversing
changes made during the recent “lame duck” session to weaken Governor-Elect Tony Evers’
ability to appoint the head of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).

“Now that Governor-Elect Evers has indicated he has no plans to dismantle WEDC, I think the
Republican scare tactics have proven to be patently misplaced,” said Carpenter. “Majority
Leader Fitzgerald and Speaker Vos railroaded a power grab in an attempt to eliminate any
influence Governor Evers has over WEDC. According to them, limiting Governor Evers’ ability
to name an executive director and reduce the number of board members he could appoint was the
notion Governor Evers was going to try and eliminate WEDC.”

“Now that it’s clear that is not going to happen, Majority Leader Fitzgerald and Speaker Vos
should introduce legislation repealing the changes they pushed through the lame duck session,”
Carpenter said. “Rather than continuing to throw their temper tantrums and choose confrontation
over cooperation, Republican leaders should recognize the voters chose to reject the excesses of
Republican control and want a government that works together to solve the state’s problems.”

“I respectfully request Republican leaders introduce a bill that reverses course on these recent
changes,” said Carpenter. “Rather than continuing to act like petulant children, Majority Leader
Fitzgerald and Speaker Vos should put the will of the people above petty, partisan
showmanship.”

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