On Monday, July 18th, Governor Doyle announced
that he will use his partial veto power to make several important
changes to the environmental sections of the state budget before
signing it into law.
First, the Governor said that he would veto an item in the budget
which would require the Stewardship Fund to spend an estimated
nearly $80 million to purchase land that the state already owns,
which is currently held by the Board of Commissioners on Public
Lands. This veto will free up Stewardship funds to be used to
protect additional lands. For background on the history of this
budget provision, see Motion
502 history.
Second, Governor Doyle announced that he would veto the repeal
of the Smart Growth program. This popular program helps communities
plan for future development in a way that promotes economic growth
while protecting the environment. The legislative version of the
budget overturned the law mandating that communities develop a
Smart Growth plan, and also cut $4 million of funding that is
available to communities to help fund the planning process. Through
his veto, the Governor will be able to reinstate the Smart Growth
planning law, and restore the $4 million of funding. This will
allow Wisconsin communities to continue their efforts to plan
for a future that is both environmentally and economically sound.
For background on the history of the Smart Growth repeal, see
Motion 442 history.
Resources:
Governor
Doyle’s Press Release (July 18, 2005)
Governor
Doyle Column: Protecting Wisconsin’s Natural Heritage
(July 19, 2005)
