Doyle uses veto pen to eliminate restrictions on tech college levies, loosen limits on locals
Gov. Jim Doyle used his veto pen this morning to eliminate levy limits on tech colleges and loosen the restrictions for local governments in 2007. He also knocked out proposals to allow grocery stores to give away free samples of hard liquor, eliminated changes to the three-tier distribution system for alcohol and nixed a requirement that the state DOT finish the expansion of STH 23 between Sheboygan and Fond du Lac by mid-2011.
The budget lawmakers approved this week capped growth in tech college levies at 4 percent and restricted increases for local governments to 2 percent or new construction, whichever was greater. In addition to wiping out the limits for tech colleges, Doyle's changes mean local governments can increase their levies by 3.86 percent or new construction for 2007.
The tighter controls remain in effect for 2008. Doyle wrote in his veto message that he objects to the restrictiveness for 2007, believing it would affect police and fire services.
"Due to the late passage of the budget bill, local governments have already made significant progress in preparing, reviewing and setting their own budgets for the upcoming year," Doyle wrote. "Requiring communities to limit their levy growth to two percent at this time may result in cutbacks in necessary services."
Doyle vetoed the changes to the three-tiered distribution system because he objects to the inclusion of "policy of this nature in a budget bill." He wrote that he supports the concept of a three-tier system but fears the changes would harm small wineries. He writes that he is directing his cabinet to immediately work with the Legislature on a "workable and equitable approach."
He nixed the provision allowing free samples of liquor, because he strongly objects to "permitting free shots of alcohol to be distributed in places such as grocery stores."
Doyle writes the proposed scheduled to widen STH 23 is "unattainable and may negatively affect other highway projects." He writes the department would not be able to meet federally required studies and other work to commence construction by July 1, 2009, as required in the bill.
He also writes requiring a July 1, 2011, completion date would harm other projects because resources would have to be diverted to STH 23.
See Doyle's veto message here.
See the state budget here.
