Wisconsin State Legislature

General information
Type: |  State legislature
Term limits: |  None
Session start: |  January 4, 2021
Website: |  Official Legislature Page
Leadership
Senate President: |  Roger Roth (R)
House Speaker: | Robin Vos (R)
Majority Leader: |  Senate: Vacant
House: Jim Steineke (R)
Minority Leader: |  Senate: Janet Bewley (D)
House: Gordon Hintz (D)
Structure
Members: | 33 (Senate), 99 (Assembly)
Length of term: |  4 years (Senate), 2 years (Assembly)
Authority: |  Art IV, Wisconsin Constitution
Salary: |  $55,141/year + per diem
Elections
Last election: | November 3, 2020
Next election: | November 8, 2022
Redistricting: | Wisconsin Legislature has control

## Contents

* 1 Elections
* 1.1 2022
* 1.2 2020
* 1.3 2018
* 1.4 2016
* 1.5 2014
* 1.6 2012
* 1.7 2010
* 2 Sessions
* 2.1 2021
* 2.2 2020
* 2.2.1 Effect of coronavirus pandemic
* 2.3 2019
* 2.4 2018
* 2.5 2017
* 2.6 2016
* 2.7 2015
* 2.7.1 Major issues in 2015
* 2.8 2014
* 2.8.1 Major issues in 2014
* 2.9 2013
* 2.9.1 Major issues in 2013
* 2.10 2012
* 2.10.1 Major issues in 2012
* 2.11 2011
* 2.12 2010
* 2.13 Role in state budget
* 3 Redistricting
* 3.1 2020
* 3.2 2010
* 4 Senate
* 4.1 Partisan composition
* 5 State Assembly
* 5.1 Partisan composition
* 6 District maps
* 6.1 State Senate
* 6.2 State Assembly
* 7 Veto overrides
* 8 Legislators
* 8.1 Salaries
* 8.2 When sworn in
* 9 Joint committees
* 10 History
* 10.1 Partisan balance 1992-2013
* 10.1.1 SQLI and partisanship
* 11 Constitutional amendments
* 12 See also
* 13 External links
* 14 Footnotes

The Wisconsin State Legislature is the legislative branch of Wisconsin. It is a bicameral legislature composed of the lower Wisconsin State Assembly and the upper Wisconsin State Senate. It is based in Madison, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin has a divided government where neither party holds a trifecta. The Democratic Party controls the office of governor, while the Republican Party controls both chambers of the state legislature.

See also: Wisconsin State Assembly, Wisconsin State Senate, Wisconsin Governor

## Elections[edit]

### 2022[edit]

See also: Wisconsin State Senate elections, 2022 and Wisconsin State Assembly elections, 2022

Elections for the Wisconsin State Senate will take place in 2022. The general election is on November 8, 2022. A primary is scheduled for August 9, 2022. The filing deadline is June 1, 2022.

Elections for the Wisconsin State Assembly will take place in 2022. The general election is on November 8, 2022. A primary is scheduled for August 9, 2022. The filing deadline is June 1, 2022.

### 2020[edit]

See also: Wisconsin State Senate elections, 2020 and Wisconsin State Assembly elections, 2020

Elections for the office of Wisconsin State Senate took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for August 11, 2020. The filing deadline was June 1, 2020.

Elections for the office of Wisconsin State Assembly took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for August 11, 2020. The filing deadline was June 1, 2020.

### 2018[edit]

See also: Wisconsin State Senate elections, 2018 and Wisconsin State Assembly elections, 2018

Elections for the Wisconsin State Senate took place in 2018. An open primary election took place on August 14, 2018. The general election was held on November 6, 2018.[1] The candidate filing deadline was June 1, 2018Filing deadline.

Elections for the Wisconsin State Assembly took place in 2018. An open primary election took place on August 14, 2018. The general election was held on November 6, 2018.[2] The candidate filing deadline was June 1, 2018Filing deadline.

### 2016[edit]

See also: Wisconsin State Senate elections, 2016 and Wisconsin State Assembly elections, 2016

Elections for the Wisconsin State Senate took place in 2016. The primary election took place on August 9, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was June 1, 2016.

Elections for the Wisconsin State Assembly took place in 2016. The primary election took place on August 9, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was June 1, 2016.

### 2014[edit]

See also: Wisconsin State Senate elections, 2014 and Wisconsin State Assembly elections, 2014

Elections for 17 seats in the Wisconsin State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on August 12, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was June 2, 2014.

Elections for all 99 seats in the Wisconsin State Assembly took place in 2014. A primary election took place on August 12, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was June 2, 2014.

### 2012[edit]

See also: Wisconsin State Senate elections, 2012 and Wisconsin State Assembly elections, 2012

Elections for the office of Wisconsin State Senate took place in 2012. The primary election was held on August 14, 2012, and the general election was held on November 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was June 1, 2012.

Elections for the office of Wisconsin House of Representatives took place in 2012. The primary election was held on August 14, 2012, and the general election was held on November 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was June 1, 2012.

### 2010[edit]

See also: Wisconsin State Senate elections, 2010 and Wisconsin State Assembly elections, 2010

Elections for the office of Wisconsin State Senate took place in 2010. The primary election was held on September 14, 2010, and the general election was held on November 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was July 13, 2010.

Elections for the office of Wisconsin House of Representatives took place in 2010. The primary election was held on September 14, 2010, and the general election was held on November 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was July 13, 2010.

## Sessions[edit]

Article IV of the Wisconsin Constitution contains provisions related to the meeting of the Legislature. Section 11 of Article IV states that the times for regular sessions are to be provided by law. Session times and dates are established by calendar, which is voted on at the beginning of each two year session. Section 11 also states that the Governor of Wisconsin has the power to call the Legislature into special session.

### 2021[edit]

See also: 2021 Wisconsin legislative session and Dates of 2021 state legislative sessions

In 2021, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 4, 2021, and adjourn on December 31, 2021.

### 2020[edit]

See also: 2020 Wisconsin legislative session and Dates of 2020 state legislative sessions

In 2020, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 14, 2020, and adjourn on May 13, 2020.

#### Effect of coronavirus pandemic[edit]

See also: Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

Coronavirus pandemic
Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more.

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Several state legislatures had their sessions impacted as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. On April 3, 2020, Gov. Tony Evers (D) announced he was signing an executive order calling the legislature to meet in a special session beginning at 4:00 PM on April 4, 2020, to discuss changes to the spring election.The legislature adjourned without taking action on Evers' proposal. Evers issued another executive order on April 6, 2020, calling on the state legislature to convene a special session on April 7, 2020, again to consider changes to the state's spring election. The legislature again adjourned without taking action on Evers' proposal. The legislature convened for another special session on April 14, 2020. The legislature adjourned on May 13, 2020.[3]

### 2019[edit]

See also: 2019 Wisconsin legislative session and Dates of 2019 state legislative sessions

In 2019, the legislature was in session from January 7, 2019, through December 31, 2019.

### 2018[edit]

See also: 2018 Wisconsin legislative session and Dates of 2018 state legislative sessions

In 2018, the legislature was in session from January 16, 2018, through March 22, 2018. To read about notable events and legislation from this session, click here.

Click [show] for past years' session dates.

### 2017[edit]

See also: Dates of 2017 state legislative sessions

In 2017, the legislature was in session from January 3, 2017, through December 31, 2017. The legislature began a special session on August 1, 2017, over a tax incentive package for Foxconn.

| Click [show] to read about the 2017 session.

* Lawmakers in Wisconsin failed to pass a state budget by the start of the state’s new fiscal year on July 1.[4] The missed deadline, however, was not out of the ordinary in Wisconsin. Between 1997 and 2017, the state passed only three budgets by July 1.[5] In Wisconsin, spending levels from the previous two-year budget stay in effect until a new budget passes, allowing state agencies to continue operating and sparing citizens from most effects of a government shutdown. If the budget were to continue to be ironed out months down the road, some projects could be delayed and local school districts would be in the position of setting budgets without knowing how much state funding will be available.[4]

* The Joint Finance Committee of the Wisconsin State Legislature passed a motion on September 5 that led to budget negotiations moving forward in the legislature. The plan, which was passed by the committee on a 12-4 party-line vote, put $400 million towards transportation. Governor Scott Walker’s (R) budget proposal had $500 million going into transportation. The committee's plan also included a state registration fee of $100 for electric vehicles and $75 for hybrid vehicles. On September 6, the full $76 billion budget passed in the finance committee. The state Assembly approved the budget in a 57-39 vote on September 12, and the state Senate approved it on September 15. Until the afternoon of September 15 it was unclear if Republicans would have the 17 votes required to pass the bill. However, after a three-hour recess, senators returned to the floor with Republicans suggesting that they have the votes needed for the votes to pass.[6] The bill passed the Senate on a 19-14 vote.[7] Governor Walker made 99 vetoes to the bill before signing it on September 21, exercising Wisconsin's line-item veto power that extends to individual words, exceeding the power of most state governors.[8]
* Throughout Wisconsin's 2017 legislative session, Republicans in the state Senate and state Assembly disagreed on how to fund road projects, how to increase funding for K-12 schools, and how to cut taxes. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R) said on Wisconsin Public Radio, "If you're not willing to raise the revenues, it's not conservative to borrow and spend, which is unfortunately what it seems like our Senate colleagues are talking about."[9]

* On September 14, members of the state Assembly voted in 64-31 favor of a $3 billion tax incentive package aimed at bringing a Taiwanese LCD flat screen factory to southeast Wisconsin.[10] That vote sent the bill to the desk of Gov. Walker, who signed the bill not long after.[11]

* Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd., which trades as Foxconn Technology Group, looked to build a $10 billion campus in Southeast Wisconsin. Foxconn announced in October 2017 that the factory would be built in Mount Pleasant in Racine County.[12] The new factory was projected to bring up to 13,000 jobs to the area by 2021. Salaries would start at $41,600 a year and would average $53,900. The deal would allow Foxconn to receive up to $1.35 billion after a full investment has been made into the plant and equipment. Another $1.5 billion would be given to Foxconn after the company begins to employ workers.[13] A report by the Legislative Fiscal Bureau found that it could take 25 years for the state to break even financially on the deal.[14][15] Foxconn is also looking at Dane County for a second campus.

### 2016[edit]

See also: Dates of 2016 state legislative sessions

In 2016, the legislature was in session from January 12 through March 15.

### 2015[edit]

See also: Dates of 2015 state legislative sessions

In 2015, the legislature was in session from January 5 through December 31.

#### Major issues in 2015[edit]

Like many states, the issue that topped the Wisconsin State Legislature's to-do list was the state's budget. Wisconsin faced a $2.2 million budget shortfall, and lawmakers were forced to address the issue before any other projects. The Republican agenda also focused on reducing the size of government, tax cuts, entitlement reform, and school accountability. The Democrats, on the other hand, emphasized their interest in raising the minimum wage and income inequality.

### 2014[edit]

See also: Dates of 2014 state legislative sessions

In 2014, the legislature was in session from January 14 through June 4.

#### Major issues in 2014[edit]

Major issues during the 2014 legislative session included income tax, public school funding, health care, and jobs.[16]

### 2013[edit]

See also: Dates of 2013 state legislative sessions

In 2013, the legislature was in session from January 7 to December 31.

#### Major issues in 2013[edit]

Following the extreme polarization of the previous two years, Gov. Scott Walker (R) said he would push for a more moderate agenda in 2013. Alongside the creation of a new budget, main issues included job creation, workforce development, tax cuts, education reform, and transportation infrastructure.[17]

### 2012[edit]

See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions

In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 10 through March 16 with a return for limited business on April 24.

#### Major issues in 2012[edit]

With potential recalls of Governor Scott Walker (R), Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch (R) and four Republican state senators, debate on major legislation was expected to be limited. Going into the session, Republican leaders said they were focused on passing bills on only four main issues - clearing the way for an ore mine in northern Wisconsin, easing laws regarding development on wetlands, environmental regulation, and creating a venture capital fund to help start-up businesses.[18]

The six recalls dominated the session. Ultimately on June 5, 2012, recalls against the Governor, Lt. Governor, and three of the state senators were unsuccessful. The fourth recall, that against Van Wanggaard, went to a recount. Wanggaard was defeated, giving Democrats control of the Senate.

### 2011[edit]

See also: Dates of 2011 state legislative sessions

In 2011, the legislature adjourned a special session at the request of Governor Scott Walker (R) on January 4, 2011. The special session was called to consider legislation regarding tax credits, tort law, medical savings accounts, other legislation relating to taxation, and the budget repair bill. The legislature's special session was ongoing. The regular session began on January 11. An extraordinary session was called by the legislature from June 13-30, with another extraordinary session held from July 19-29. [19]

### 2010[edit]

See also: Dates of 2010 state legislative sessions

In 2010, the legislature convened its  legislative session on January 19, and it ended its last scheduled floor-period on April 22.[20]

Does Wisconsin's Foxconn law change environmental standards?
October 26, 2017: Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker last month signed legislation authorizing a $2.85 billion incentive package to encourage Foxconn to locate facilities in the state. Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Middleton, characterized the package as “a total environmental giveaway by the state of Wisconsin." In contrast, Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, R-River Falls, asserted that “no changes have been made to air, water and waste-related standards.”
Is Harsdorf correct? Read Ballotpedia's fact check »

### Role in state budget[edit]

See also: Wisconsin state budget and finances
Wisconsin on

Check out Ballotpedia articles about policy in your state on:
Budgets • Civil liberties • Education • Elections • Energy • Environment • Healthcare • Pensions

* * *

Wisconsin operates on a biennial budget cycle. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[21]

1. Budget instructions are sent to state agencies in June.
2. State agencies submit budget requests in September.
3. The governor submits his or her proposed budget to the Wisconsin State Legislature in January.
4. The legislature adopts a budget in June or July. A simple majority is needed to pass a budget.
5. The biennial budget cycle begins in July.

Wisconsin is one of 44 states in which the governor has line item veto authority.[21]

The governor is constitutionally and statutorily required to submit a balanced budget. In addition, the legislature is required to pass a balanced budget.[21]

## Redistricting[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, both congressional and state legislative district boundaries are drawn by the Wisconsin State Legislature. These lines are subject to veto by the governor.[22]

The Wisconsin Constitution requires that state legislative districts be compact and "that they be bounded by county, precinct, town, or ward lines where possible." The state constitution further stipulates that state legislative districts should be contiguous.[22]

### 2020[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Wisconsin after the 2020 census

Upon completion of the 2020 census, Wisconsin will draft and enact new district maps. Michael Keane, a senior research analyst for the Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau, prepared the following projected timeline for the 2020 redistricting cycle in Wisconsin.[23]

Projected redistricting timeline for Wisconsin, 2020 cycle

Date  |  Event
April 1, 2020  |  Census Day
November 3, 2020  |  Last congressional and state legislative elections held under previous maps
December 31, 2020  |  Seats in the U.S. House of Representatives apportioned
February 1, 2021  |  Redistricting data received from the U.S. Census Bureau (earliest possible date)
February - March 2022  |  Congressional and state legislative redistricting
March 2022  |  Deadline for state legislative redistricting
August 9, 2022  |  First primary election held under new maps
November 8, 2022  |  First general election held under new maps
January 3, 2023  |  First legislature elected under new maps inaugurated

### 2010[edit]

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Wisconsin's population increased from 5.36 million to 5.69 million between 2000 and 2010.[24] This population growth was large enough to allow the state to retain its eight Congressional seats.[25]

Republicans held the governorship and majorities in the state Senate and state Assembly after the 2010 elections. As a result, the redistricting process was completely under the control of one party.

The Republican leadership dismissed the Democratic-hired firm that was going to aid with redistricting and instead brought in an outside group to aid the process. This new firm's leader had donated to Republican candidates in the past. The redistricting process was accelerated by the summer 2011 recall elections, and Governor Scott Walker signed a bill that gave the legislature the power to redistrict state boundaries before the localities finished their redistricting processes.[26] The state Republicans unveiled their plan on July 8, 2011. Democrats criticized the plan as gerrymandering, but Republicans defended their map.[27] The maps passed the legislature on July 19, 2011, and signed into law by Governor Walker on August 9, 2011.[28]

Several lawsuits were filed as a result of the new maps.[29] The Wisconsin Government Accountability Board identified errors in the maps, likely due to the creation of the state boundaries before the localities finished drawing their boundaries. A court also determined that two Milwaukee-area districts needed to be redrawn to better represent minority-area populations.[30]

## Senate[edit]

Interior shot of a dome inside the State Capitol building in Madison where the Wisconsin State Legislature meets.

The Wisconsin State Senate is the upper house of the Wisconsin State Legislature. Together with the lower house, the State Assembly, they comprise the legislative branch of the state of Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Constitution ties the size of the State Senate to that of the State Assembly by limiting its size to no less than 1/4, nor more than 1/3, of the size of the Assembly. Currently, Wisconsin is divided into 33 Senate Districts (1/3 of the current Assembly membership of 99) apportioned amongst the state based on population as determined by the decennial census, for a total of 33 senators. Each member represented an average of 172,333 residents, as of the 2010 Census.[31] After the 2000 Census, each member represented 162,536.[32] Similar to the U.S. Senate, the State Senate has the exclusive responsibility of confirming certain appointments by the governor, particularly cabinet secretaries (as part of the system of checks and balances) and members of boards and commissions.

Senators are elected for four-year terms, staggered so that half the Senate is up for election every two years. If a vacancy occurs in a Senate seat between elections, it may be filled only by a special election.

### Partisan composition[edit]

Party  |  As of November 2021

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|  Democratic Party |  12
|  Republican Party |  21
|  Vacancies  |  0
Total |  33

Click here for a list of members of this chamber.

Between 1992 and 2020, partisan control of the Wisconsin State Senate fluctuated, swinging back and forth between the Democratic and Republican parties. The table below shows the partisan history of the Wisconsin State Senate following every general election from 1992 to 2020. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin's Party Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.

Wisconsin State Senate Party Control: 1992-2020

Year  |  '92  |  '94  |  '96  |  '98  |  '00  |  '02  |  '04  |  '06  |  '08  |  '10  |  '12  |  '14  |  '16  |  '18  |  '20

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Democrats | 18 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 15 | 14 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 12
Republicans | 15 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 18 | 19 | 15 | 15 | 19 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 19 | 21

Control of the state Senate changed hands five times between 1992 and 2020. The chamber flipped in 1994, 1996, 2002, 2006, and 2010.

Republicans gained four seats in 2010 and took control of the chamber. The GOP maintained majorities in the chamber between 2010 and 2020.

## State Assembly[edit]

The Wisconsin State Assembly is the lower house of the Wisconsin Legislature. Together with the smaller Wisconsin State Senate, the two comprise the legislative branch of Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Constitution limits the size of the State Assembly to between 54 and 100 members inclusive. Currently, Wisconsin is divided into 99 Assembly Districts apportioned amongst the state based on population as determined by the decennial census, for a total of 99 Representatives. Each member represented an average of 57,444 residents, as of the 2010 Census.[33] After the 2000 Census, each member represented 54,179 residents.[34]

Representatives are elected for two-year terms. If a vacancy occurs in an Assembly seat between elections, it may be filled only by a special election.

### Partisan composition[edit]

Party  |  As of November 2021

|

|  Democratic Party |  38
|  Republican Party |  61
|  Vacancies  |  0
Total |  99

Click here for a list of members of this chamber.

Between 1992 and 2020, partisan control of the Wisconsin State Assembly shifted in favor of the Republican Party. The table below shows the partisan history of the Wisconsin State Assembly following every general election from 1992 to 2020. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin's Party Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.

Wisconsin State Assembly Party Control: 1992-2020

Year  |  '92  |  '94  |  '96  |  '98  |  '00  |  '02  |  '04  |  '06  |  '08  |  '10  |  '12  |  '14  |  '16  |  '18  |  '20

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Democrats | 52 | 48 | 47 | 44 | 43 | 41 | 39 | 47 | 52 | 38 | 39 | 36 | 35 | 36 | 38
Republicans | 47 | 51 | 52 | 55 | 56 | 58 | 60 | 52 | 46 | 60 | 60 | 63 | 64 | 63 | 61

After the 1992 elections, Democrats held a 52-47 majority. Republicans gained four seats in 1994 and took control of the chamber. From 1994 to 2004, Republicans picked up another nine seats, resulting in a 60-39 majority following the 2004 elections. Democrats gained 13 seats between the 2006 and 2008 elections. The Democratic majority gained in 2008 lasted until after the 2010 elections. Republicans picked up 14 seats in that election, moving the chamber to a 60-38 majority. Following the 2020 elections, Republicans had a 61-38 majority.

## District maps[edit]

### State Senate[edit]

### State Assembly[edit]

## Veto overrides[edit]

See also: Veto overrides in state legislatures

State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in Wisconsin are listed below.

How many legislators are required to vote for an override? Two-thirds of members present in both chambers.

Two-thirds of members present in both chambers must vote to override a veto. If all members are in attendance, this is 66 of the 99 members in the Wisconsin State Assembly and 22 of the 33 members in the Wisconsin State Senate. Wisconsin is one of 36 states that requires a two-thirds vote from both of its legislative chambers to override a veto.

Authority: Article V, Section 10 of the Wisconsin Constitution.

"(2) (a) If the governor rejects the bill, the governor shall return the bill, together with the objections in writing, to the house in which the bill originated. The house of origin shall enter the objections at large upon the journal and proceed to reconsider the bill. If, after such reconsideration, two−thirds of the members present agree to pass the bill notwithstanding the objections of the governor, it shall be sent, together with the objections, to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two−thirds of the members present it shall become law."

## Legislators[edit]

### Salaries[edit]

See also: Comparison of state legislative salaries
State legislators

Salary| Per diem
$55,141/year| $115/day for senators who reside outside of Dane County; Senators who live in Dane County receive $57.50/day. $153 (with overnight) or $76.50/day (no overnight) for representatives. Per diem can be claimed up to 90 days per year.

### When sworn in[edit]

See also: When state legislators assume office after a general election

Wisconsin legislators assume office the first Monday in January following the election, unless the first Monday of January falls on January 1 or 2. In those cases, legislators assume office on January 3.[35]

## Joint committees[edit]

See also: Public policy in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin State Legislature has the following standing joint committees:

* Review of Administrative Rules
* Employment Relations
* Finance
* Information Policy and Technology
* Joint Legislative Audit
* Joint Legislative Council
* Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties
* Legislative Organization
* Retirement Systems
* Tax Exemptions

## History[edit]

### Partisan balance 1992-2013[edit]

See also: Ballotpedia:Who Runs the States and Ballotpedia:Who Runs the States, Wisconsin

Partisan breakdown of the Wisconsin legislature from 1992-2013

Wisconsin State Senate: From 1992-2013, the Democratic Party was the majority in the Wisconsin State Senate for 11 years while the Republicans were the majority for 11 years. The final three years of the study depicted a shift in the Wisconsin senate with all three years being Republican trifectas

Across the country, there were 541 Democratic and 517 Republican state senates from 1992 to 2013.

Wisconsin State House: From 1992-2013, the Democratic Party was the majority in the Wisconsin State Assembly for 5 years while the Republicans were the majority for 17 years. The final three years of the study depicted a shift in the Wisconsin House with all three years being Republican trifectas.

Across the country, there were 577 Democratic and 483 Republican State Houses of Representatives from 1992 to 2013.

Over the course of the 22-year study, state governments became increasingly more partisan. At the outset of the study period (1992), 18 of the 49 states with partisan legislatures had single-party trifectas and 31 states had divided governments. In 2013, only 13 states had divided governments, while single-party trifectas held sway in 36 states, the most in the 22 years studied.

The chart below shows the partisan composition of the Office of the Governor of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin State Senate and the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1992 to 2013.

#### SQLI and partisanship[edit]

To read the full report on the State Quality of Life Index (SQLI) in PDF form, click here.

The chart below depicts the partisanship of the Wisconsin state government and the state's SQLI ranking for the years studied. For the SQLI, the states were ranked from 1-50, with 1 being the best and 50 the worst. During the course of the study, Wisconsin experienced both Democratic and Republican trifectas as well as divided governments. The state's SQLI rankings were higher earlier in the study, with its highest ranking, finishing 7th, occurring in 1992, 1995 and 1998 during both Republican trifectas and a divided government. Its lowest ranking, finishing 30th, occurred in 2007 during a divided government. The state's rankings began to improve during the most recent years of the study, finishing 13th in 2012 during a Republican trifecta.

* SQLI average with Democratic trifecta: 21.00
* SQLI average with Republican trifecta: 10.00
* SQLI average with divided government: 17.27

Chart displaying the partisanship of the Wisconsin government from 1992-2013 and the State Quality of Life Index (SQLI).

## Constitutional amendments[edit]

In every state but Delaware, voter approval is required to enact a constitutional amendment. In each state, the legislature has a process for referring constitutional amendments before voters. In 18 states, initiated constitutional amendments can be put on the ballot through a signature petition drive. There are also many other types of statewide measures.

The methods in which the Wisconsin Constitution can be amended:

See also: Article XII of the Wisconsin Constitution and Laws governing ballot measures in Wisconsin

Article XII of the Wisconsin Constitution provides two methods of amendment:

* A legislatively referred constitutional amendment may be proposed to the voters if approved by a simple majority of both chambers of the Wisconsin State Legislature in two legislative sessions.

* If an amendment is approved by a majority in both chambers of the Legislature in one session, that proposed amendment must then be considered by the state legislature chosen at the next general election in the state.
* Before that second legislative session, the proposed amendment that will be considered must be published for three months prior to the election.
* Should the amendment be approved by a simple majority of the second session that considers it, the proposed amendment is then placed on a statewide ballot at a special or general election.
* If it is approved by a simple majority of the state's electorate, it becomes part of the constitution.

* Constitutional conventions can also be used to propose amendments to the state's constitution.

* If a simple majority of both houses of the Wisconsin State Legislature votes in favor, a constitutional convention question is placed on a statewide ballot.
* If the electors of the state agree by a simple majority to call a constitutional convention, then the legislature needs to convene a convention during its next session.

Wisconsin citizens do not have the power of amending the constitution through initiated constitutional amendments.

2021 measures:

Below is a list of measures that were referred to the 2021 ballot by the legislature or that have made it approximately halfway throughIn states where it takes one session to refer a measure to the ballot, Ballotpedia begins coverage of proposals once they have passed in one chamber of the legislature and only require approval in the second chamber for referral. In states where it takes two session to refer a measure to the ballot, Ballotpedia begins coverage of proposals once they have passed in both chambers in the first session required. the process in the legislature for referral to the ballot in 2021.

See also: 2021 ballot measures

Certified:

The following measures have been certified for the ballot.

No measures to list

Potential:

The following measures have made it through one chamber—or one session for two session states—and may appear on the ballot in 2021.

No measures to list

## See also[edit]

Elections | Wisconsin State Government | State Legislatures | State Politics

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* Wisconsin elections, 2022
* Wisconsin elections, 2020
* Wisconsin elections, 2018

* Wisconsin State Senate
* Wisconsin House of Representatives
* Governor of Wisconsin
* Wisconsin Supreme Court

* State legislative elections, 2022
* State legislative elections, 2021
* State legislative elections, 2020
* State legislative elections, 2019
* State legislative elections, 2018

* State government trifectas
* State government triplexes
* State executives
* State courts
* Ballot measures

## External links[edit]

* Official Wisconsin State Legislature website

## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ Wisconsin Elections Commission, "Elections," accessed June 9, 2017
2. ↑ Wisconsin Elections Commission, "Elections," accessed June 9, 2017
3. ↑ Twitter, "Tony Evers on March 3, 2020," accessed March 3, 2020
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Wisconsin State Journal, "It's July and the state still doesn't have a budget. What happens?" July 2, 2017
5. ↑ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin lawmakers will miss budget deadline as talks slow," June 24, 2017
6. ↑ WBAY, "The Latest: Committee approves $76 billion Wisconsin Budget," September 6, 2017
7. ↑ Wisconsin Public Radio, "State Legislature Approves Delayed State Budget," September 15, 2017
8. ↑ Reuters, "Wisconsin governor signs overdue budget into law," September 21, 2017
9. ↑ Wisconsin Public Radio, "Wisconsin Misses Budget Deadline As Squabbling Continues At The Capitol," July 3, 2017
10. ↑ Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin Assembly sends $3 billion Foxconn incentive package to Scott Walker," September 14, 2017
11. ↑ The Washington Post, "Scott Walker just approved $3 billion deal for a new Foxconn factory in Wisconsin," September 18, 2017
12. ↑ Chicago Tribune, "Foxconn to locate Wisconsin plant in Mount Pleasant," October 4, 2017
13. ↑ Journal Sentinel, "How would the Wisconsin Foxconn deal work? Here are some answers," August 16, 2017
14. ↑ Legislative Fiscal Bureau, "August 2017 Special Session Assembly Bill 1: Foxconn/Fiserv Legislation," August 8, 2017(Archived)
15. ↑ Wisconsin State Journal, "State would recoup Foxconn investment in 25 years, estimate shows," August 9, 2017
16. ↑ Wisconsin Realtors Association, "2014 Election Themes Take Shape," accessed January 14, 2014
17. ↑ Wisconsin State Journal, "With state bitterly divided, Walker promises more moderate agenda," January 7, 2013
18. ↑ Appleton Post Crescent, "Wisconsin legislative agenda influenced by negative effects of recalls," January 16, 2012
19. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "2011 Legislative Sessions Calendar," December 19, 2011
20. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "2010 Legislative Sessions Calendar," December 8, 2010
21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2015," accessed February 5, 2021
22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 All About Redistricting, "Wisconsin," accessed May 7, 2015
23. ↑ Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau, "Redistricting in Wisconsin," April 1, 2016
24. ↑ U.S. Census Bureau, "2010 Census: Wisconsin Profile," accessed August 9, 2014
25. ↑ Northland's News Center, "Minnesota and Wisconsin Both to Keep Eight Seats in House," December 21, 2010
26. ↑ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Walker allows new legislative mapping, doesn't OK actual maps yet," July 25, 2011
27. ↑ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Parties joust over Wisconsin redistricting plan," July 13, 2011
28. ↑ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Walker signs legislation to redraw district boundaries," August 9, 2011
29. ↑ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin's redistricting trial goes to judges," February 24, 2012
30. ↑ Wisconsin State Journal, "Court strikes down GOP redistricting, orders just 2 districts redrawn," March 22, 2012
31. ↑ census.gov, "Population Distribution and Change: 2000 to 2010," accessed May 15, 2014
32. ↑ U.S. Census Bureau, "States Ranked by Population," April 2, 2001
33. ↑ census.gov, "Population Distribution and Change: 2000 to 2010," accessed May 15, 2014
34. ↑ U.S. Census Bureau, "States Ranked by Population," April 2, 2001
35. ↑ Wisconsin Statutes, "Chapter 13: Legislative Branch: 13.02 Regular sessions," accessed October 5, 2021

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