The Governors: Powers

For additional information on executive orders, see Table 4.5

Full responsibility to propose; legislature adopts or revises and governor signs or vetoes.

Authorization for reorganization provided for in state constitution.

Governor cannot create a budgeted agency but may “direct such action by the several budgeted agencies as will, in his judgment, effect efficiency and economy in the conduct of the affairs of the state government.”

Only for agencies and offices within the Governor’s Office.

Governor has sole authority to propose annual budget. No money may be paid out of state treasury except in pursuance of appropriations made by law and passed by the legislature.

Statute provides for reorganization by the Commissioner of Administration with the approval of the governor.

Governor has the responsibility of presenting a balanced budget. The budget is based on revenue estimated by the Governor’s office and the Legislative Budget Committee.

The office of the governor shall continuously study and evaluate the organizational structure, management practices, and functions of the executive branch and of each agency. The governor shall, by executive order or other means within the authority granted to him, take action to improve the manageability of the executive branch.

Only as to commissions, boards and councils.

Executive reorganization plans can be disapproved by majority vote in both houses of the legislature.

Executive Order must be approved by the legislature if changes affect existing law.

The governor has the authority, through state statute, to enact executive orders that: create agencies, boards and commissions; and reassigns agencies, boards and commissions to different cabinet secretaries. However, in order for the continued operation of any agency created by executive order the state legislature must approve legislation that allows the agency to continue to operate, if not, the agency cannot continue operation beyond sine die adjournment of the legislature for the session.

The governor submits a reorganization plan to the General Assembly which must approve the plan by a vote of a majority of the membership in each house.

Only if it is not prohibited by law

In Wisconsin, the governor has “partial” veto over appropriation bills. The partial veto is broader than item veto

The governor and the Executive Council have oversight and control functions on state expenditures.

The Governor has line item veto power only over appropriations and budget bills. To override these vetoes, 2/3 of each house of the Legislature must vote to override. A majority is necessary to override general law (non-budget or -appropriations bills) bills.