In a significant decision, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the Republican-controlled budget committee of the Wisconsin Legislature cannot legally obstruct conservation projects initiated by Democratic Governor Tony Evers' administration. The court's ruling, which came as a victory for Governor Evers and environmentalists across the state, reaffirmed the importance of constitutional checks and balances and the separation of powers.

Governor Evers, who has faced constant obstruction from Republicans, expressed his satisfaction with the court's decision, stating, "This historic ruling resets constitutional checks and balances and restores the separation of powers. It is a victory for the people of Wisconsin who expect and deserve their government to work for them, not against them."

The court's ruling, a 6-1 majority decision, deemed the provisions that allowed the Joint Finance Committee to unilaterally block projects and land acquisitions funded by the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program in violation of the separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches. Justice Rebecca Bradley, who wrote the majority opinion, highlighted that the legislature had initially granted the executive branch the power to allocate stewardship funds, meaning they lacked the authority to reject decisions regarding expenditure unless they amended the spending laws.

The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, established by the legislature in 1989, provides funding for environmental projects through grants given to local governments and non-governmental organizations by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Additionally, the program allows the DNR to acquire land for conservation and public use. The legislature had authorized the agency to spend up to $33.2 million annually until 2025-26 for land acquisition.

Notably, Republicans have been critical of the stewardship program, arguing that it hampers land development and removes parcels from local tax rolls. In April 2023, the finance committee blocked the DNR's plan to utilize $15.5 million from the program for acquiring a conservation easement on 56,000 acres of forest, which would have been the largest land conservation effort in Wisconsin's history. However, Governor Evers circumvented the committee by securing federal funding for the purchase in January of this year.

Governor Evers filed a lawsuit in October, asserting that legislative committees managed by a few Republican lawmakers were exceeding their constitutional authority. The governor argued that these committees had wrongfully withheld approved raises for University of Wisconsin employees, impeded updates to commercial building and ethics standards, and blocked funding for stewardship programs. While the raises were eventually implemented, Governor Evers maintained that Republicans were effectively attempting to change state law without proper legislative procedures.

Governor Evers sought direct intervention from the liberal-leaning Wisconsin Supreme Court, bypassing lower court rulings. The justices agreed in February but limited their consideration to the finance committee's obstruction of stewardship efforts.

Chief Justice Annette Ziegler voiced her dissent, contending that the court should have allowed the case to follow the usual course through lower courts. Ziegler also criticized the court's liberal majority for selectively choosing to address the stewardship question ahead of other pending cases.

The court's ruling not only strengthens Governor Evers' authority but also serves as a reminder of the crucial role of checks and balances within the state's governance. It marks a significant moment in Wisconsin's ongoing political landscape and sets a precedent for shaping environmental policy and conservation efforts in the state.