Gov. Evers budget will prioritize ballot initiatives and cost of living [Video]

MADISON, Wis. — Democratic Gov. Tony Evers will use his budget plan to propose a way for Wisconsin voters to directly change state law, he announced on Friday.

The governor’s budget, which will be released in full on Feb. 18, will also prioritize lowering the cost of living in key areas including child care and housing, as well as aim to increase funding for education. Evers discussed his plans at a press conference on Friday that was embargoed until Monday, when a new legislative session was set to begin in Madison.

Twenty-six states and Washington D.C. have initiative or referendum processes, according to Ballotpedia. Currently, only the Legislature can put constitutional amendments on the ballot in Wisconsin. Republicans who control the Legislature have used this power to avoid Evers’ veto pen.

“If Republican lawmakers are going to continue to try and legislate by constitutional amendment, then they should give Wisconsinites …