Reps Send Letter To Fitzgerald

Six members of the state's Assembly Natural Resources Committee sent a letter this week, calling for legislative transparency, to Rep. Jeff Fitzgerald, the Speaker of the Assembly.

The letter is signed by Rep. Cory Mason, Rep. Louis Molepsky, Rep. Fred Clark, Rep. Chris Danou, Rep. Nick Milroy, and Rep. Brett Hulsey.  It raises concerns about whether bills listed in Gov. Scott Walker's September 2011 Special Session will be made available to the public.

“This lack of transparency has raised concerns from citizens throughout the state about why this legislature appears to again be moving rapidly to consider legislation with wide ranging effects but little apparent relevance to job creation,” the letter reads. “We want to extend the benefit of the doubt that many of these unseen bills may in fact have great economic recovery possibilities for Wisconsin, which is why we urge you to ensure these proposals receive the full public scrutiny they deserve.”

The legislators signing the letter specifically inquire about two listed bills related to natural resources – one related to wetland and habitat restoration and the other affecting the regulation and protection of navigable waters.

“As members of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee, we are requesting that any available drafts of these proposals be provided to legislators for review without delay,” the letter says. “We are also requesting your assurance that these bills will be referred to the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources for a public hearing.”

Proposals affecting Wisconsin's natural resources will be of great interest to the public, the letter argues.

“Our high quality of natural resources in Wisconsin is the foundation for our large and growing recreation and tourism economy and is a true Wisconsin success story,” the letter says.