Question 1: Partial vetoGovernor's partial veto could not create or raise a tax or fee
Read the full text of the measure: official referendum notice (PDF)
In plain words
In Wisconsin the governor can veto just parts of a spending bill (a "partial veto"), crossing out words and numbers instead of rejecting the whole bill. Governors have used this to change what a bill does. This amendment says a partial veto can't be used to create a tax or fee, raise one, or allow one to be raised. It would apply to every future governor, of any party. (wausaupilotandreview.com )
Before and after
| Question | Today | If it passes |
|---|---|---|
| Can the governor veto parts of a spending bill? | Yes | Yes |
| Can a partial veto create or raise a tax or fee? | Yes, as long as it follows the other limits | No |
| Earlier limits (1990: no striking single letters to make new words; 2008: no stitching parts of sentences into a new sentence) | Stay | Stay |
Numbers from the official ballot title (ballot title ); also see (news.ballotpedia.org )
Example
Illustration only: In 2023 Gov. Tony Evers used a partial veto so school districts could raise their revenue limit (the most they may collect, mostly from property taxes) by $325 per student each year until 2425. For a district with 1,000 students, that is up to $325,000 more a year. Under this amendment, a governor could not use a partial veto to do something like that. (wausaupilotandreview.com )
Biggest change
- Bars the governor, when using a partial veto, from creating, increasing, or authorizing the creation or increase of any tax or fee. source: somerswi.gov
Who it affects most: Future governors and lawmakers writing state budgets; indirectly, taxpayers and anyone who pays state or local taxes or fees set in the budget.
Cost to the state: Unknown. No cost estimate was found. It does not change any tax rate by itself.
Our plain-words summary. Every line points to its source.
What your vote means
A governor could no longer use a partial veto to create or raise any tax or fee.
A governor could still use a partial veto in ways that create or raise a tax or fee, within today's limits.
Our one-line summary. Wisconsin does not publish an official "what your vote means" statement; the ballot title above is the official description.
Why people want it, and why others object
Why this is on the ballot
The Legislature put this on the ballot. It changes the state constitution, so only another statewide vote can change it back. It passes with a simple majority of the votes cast on it.
- Voters gave Wisconsin governors the partial veto in 1930. Voters limited it in 1990 (no striking single letters to make new words) and in 2008 (no joining parts of two or more sentences into a new one). source: news.ballotpedia.org
- In the 2023-25 budget, Gov. Evers used a partial veto to extend a school revenue increase for about 400 years. The Wisconsin Supreme Court upheld it on April 18, 2025 (Lemieux v. Evers). source: news.ballotpedia.org
- The Senate passed SJR 116 18-15 on Jan. 21, 2026, and the Assembly passed it 54-41 on Feb. 19, 2026. All Republicans voted yes; Democrats voted no or did not vote. source: news.ballotpedia.org
Why supporters want it
- Sen. Chris Kapenga (R-Senate District 33): "Wisconsin Governors currently enjoy one of the most powerful partial-veto pens in the country." Kapenga said the amendment "would rebalance power between the executive branch and the legislative branch." source: news.ballotpedia.org
- Scott Manley, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce: "Tax policy is perhaps the most powerful authority that government has." source: wausaupilotandreview.com
Why opponents object
- Sen. Chris Larson (D-Senate District 7) said it would "make it harder for any future governor to right the wrongs of any legislature." source: news.ballotpedia.org
- Debra Cronmiller, League of Women Voters of Wisconsin: "It's a retaliatory move, I believe, by the GOP Legislature to take a tool away from this governor." source: wausaupilotandreview.com
Who backs each side
- For: the Republican majority in the Legislature that placed it on the ballot; Americans for Prosperity, MacIver Impact, National Federation of Independent Business, Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, Wisconsin Property Taxpayers, Wisconsin Realtors Association. Against: League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Education Association Council. Governor candidates: Tom Tiffany (R) says yes; David Crowley (D) says no. No public record of campaign money for either side was found in the sources checked. source: wausaupilotandreview.com
In each side's own words where we could find them, quoted or summarized with a link to the source. We don't endorse either side.
What you will see on your ballot
Official ballot wording, word for word (tap to open)
The official ballot title, word for word from the official referendum notice .
Partial veto. Shall section 10 (1) (c) of article V of the constitution be amended to prohibit the governor, in exercising his or her partial veto authority, from creating or increasing or authorizing the creation or increase of any tax or fee?
YES
NO
Latest news
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Full text of the measure
Read it in the official referendum notice (PDF) .
Read more
- Type A Notice of Referendum (State), Nov. 3, 2026 (Kenosha County Clerk, posted by Village of Somers). Replace with WEC's official notice or ballot when available.
- Wausau Pilot & Review (USA TODAY Network): guide to the 3 referendums
- Ballotpedia News: partial veto amendment
We link to analysis from several sources; we don't endorse it.