The state Senate has approved a call for a convention of states to add a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
The Senate approved a Republican resolution Tuesday calling for a convention 19-14. The Assembly approved the resolution in June. The Senate's action solidifies Wisconsin's call; Gov. Scott Walker plays no role in approving legislative resolutions.
It takes 34 states to trigger a convention. Wisconsin is now the 28th state to call for one.The Senate approved a second GOP resolution 19-14 pledging that Wisconsin's convention delegation follow rules from the Assembly of State Legislature that require delegates to stick to the purpose for which the states called the convention. The Wisconsin Assembly approved that resolution in June as well.
The Senate also approved a stand-alone bill prohibiting Wisconsin delegates from working on anything outside the scope of the convention on a 19-14 vote. That measure now goes to Walker.___
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The state Senate is set to finalize Wisconsin's call for a convention of states to add a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Republicans say the amendment is needed to rein in federal spending. It takes 34 states to trigger a convention. Wisconsin would be the 28th. Opponents fear the convention could spiral out of control leading to all manner of ill-conceived amendments.
The Senate is scheduled to vote Tuesday on resolutions calling for a convention and promising Wisconsin's delegation will work only for a balanced budget amendment. Also on the agenda is a bill that lays out the delegate appointment process.
All three proposals passed the Assembly in June. Senate approval would finalize the state's call. Gov. Scott Walker's signature isn't necessary for the resolutions.