Chris Larson on Government Reform

Don't reduce power of next attorney-general

Analysis by The Capital Times:˙˙ This is the most controversial bill in the bunch altering the authority of the Department of Justice by stripping some powers from the office of the attorney general. One key change would allow legislators to hire their own attorneys at taxpayer expense if sued in their official capacity. That measure is something Republicans wanted so they could be represented by Republican-leaning private attorneys rather than a Democratic attorney general.

Legislative Outcome:˙˙Passed Senate 17-16-0 on Dec/4/18; State Sen. Chris Larson voted NO; Passed Assembly 57-26-12 on Dec/4/18; Signed by Governor Scott Walker on Dec/14/18

Voted NO on new state-funded absentee voting hours

• A municipality may make available no more than 45 hours each week for in-person absentee voting for any statewide election
• A municipality may hire individuals to assist in receiving absentee ballots in person.
• The state shall reimburse the municipality for 50% of the compensation paid to such individuals.

Excerpts from veto message:˙˙I am approving in-person absentee voting between Monday and Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM, and prohibiting in-person absentee voting on legal holidays. I am vetoing hiring individuals to assist with in-person absentee voting. I object to a new state expenditure for a function traditionally performed by local governments. We should all be focused on ensuring the integrity of the voting process by making it harder to cheat.

Legislative Outcome:˙˙Bill passed Senate 17-16-0 on 3/12; State Sen. Chris Larson voted NO; passed House 56-38-5 on 3/20; vetoed by Gov. Walker on 3/27.