Madison – Today, Representative Dave Considine (D-Baraboo) introduced LRB-3545/1, requiring that members of the public speak before lobbyists in Assembly committee public hearings. Representative Considine released the following statement:
“During my time as a state legislator for the last nine years, I have seen members of the public overshadowed by third-party lobbyists and paid government officials. Individuals from communities around the state take time out of their day, drive hours from their homes, and wait patiently to share their voices. Often, they must wait for hours, as lobbyists and government officials speak on the proposals at hand. This isn’t for fair these community members.
“LRB-3545 rearranges the order of testifying speakers to the following:
1. The author(s) of the proposal being heard
2. Members of the public and/or local government officials
3. Registered lobbyists and/or state government officials
“We are a government of, by, and for the people. As state legislators, it is our duty to listen to our constituents. As committee members, we must consider all input on the proposals brought before us in a public hearing. The public and their voices are an essential part of this input. They deserve to be heard, and this resolution ensures that they will be.”
