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8/3/2009
Zipperer Calls for Action on Earmark Transparency Act
Madison — Rep. Rich Zipperer (R-Pewaukee) today called for legislative action on his Earmark Transparency Act, Assembly Bill (AB) 168. AB 168 has languished in the Joint Committee on Finance since its introduction in March. Last session, Zipperer’s original Earmark Transparency Act (2007 AB 739) was approved by the Assembly without opposition before being stalled in the state Senate.
“Fighting wasteful government spending should be a bipartisan effort. My Earmark Transparency Act would give elected officials, members of the media, government watchdog groups, and, most importantly, the taxpayers the opportunity to see what a budget contains before a vote is taken in Madison,” said Zipperer. “Failing to take action on this bill now means the secrecy and frustration surrounding this year's budget may be repeated in future state budgets.”
Earlier this year, Zipperer along with Reps. Vukmir, Kramer and Davis introduced the Taxpayers First Agenda, which included the Earmark Transparency Act, the Checkbook Disclosure Act (AB 196), and the Truth in Budgeting Act (AB 127). Taken together, these reforms will finally open up the state budget process for all to see and understand, giving true transparency to how politicians spend state tax dollars. Not one of these bills has been scheduled for a public hearing in the Assembly.
During the budget process and continuing since, newspapers throughout Wisconsin have continually printed stories and editorials highlighting the need for budget reform regarding earmarks. Examples include:
“The Earmark Transparency Act is quite simple. It brings earmarks to light. It calls for an earmark report from the Legislative Fiscal Bureau. It requires a 48-hour window to allow everyone to actually read a budget bill before voting. And, it stops ‘airdrops’ during a budget conference committee, ending the perception budget votes are bought by last second earmarks. The Earmark Transparency Act should be approved this year so the next state budget process does not repeat the failures of this year's highly secretive process,” concluded Zipperer.
Rich Zipperer is a Republican and represents the residents of the 98th Assembly District.
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