A Message from WGF Leadership on the Aug 13 Partisan Primary
Wisconsin's Green Fire, July 22, 2024
Post-election update below!
There will be few times when Wisconsin’s Green Fire takes the bold step to ask members to consider voting a certain way.
It is just not how we operate. However, the referendum questions on the August 13th partisan primary ballot have serious ramifications for conservation efforts and further increase the “Imbalance of Power.”
Our October 2022 Opportunities Now: Imbalance of Power paper tells of how, since 2011, there has been a chipping away at the “longstanding balance of power within the state.” As a result, the power of the legislature has expanded, and the powers of the governor and their administrations have diminished. If the August 13th referenda are approved, the constitutional changes would expand the imbalance of power. If the referenda are approved, the balance of power will shift even more deeply to the legislature.
Changing our constitution is a serious matter. Please do your homework and study the ramifications.
If you agree with us, consider voting no on August 13.
To learn more, please visit:
- League of Women Voters: https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/august-2024-constitutional-amendments
- Wisconsin Votes NO: https://www.wivotesno.org/
- Information for voters (from WGF): https://wigreenfire.org/information-for-wi-voters-august-13-partisan-primary/
Sincerely,
Tom Jerow, WGF Board President
Meleesa Johnson, WGF Executive Director
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Post-Election Update – “No” Votes Win!
On August 13, 2024, 57.5% of Wisconsin voters chose “No” on the constitutional amendment questions.
On August 13, 2024, This was a resounding victory for conservation and the balance of power in our state government. As a result, the governor’s office will still be able to allocate federal monies to Wisconsin communities without additional legislative red tape, meaning quicker responses to natural disasters and more direct use of funds to protect our lands and waters.
Thank you to all our Voices for Conservation and partner organizations for the extensive and effective work encouraging Wisconsinites to vote and advance science-based conservation in our state!