Wisconsin judge rules governor properly used partial veto powers on literacy bill

A judge says Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers properly used his partial veto powers on a literacy bill. Evers signed a bill in July 2023 that created an early literacy coaching program and grants. The state budget set aside $50 million for the initiatives but the bill didn't allocate any money. Evers signed another bill in February that Republicans maintain created guidelines for allocating the $50 million. Evers used his partial veto powers on the bill to change multiple allocations into a single appropriation for school officials. Republicans sued in April alleging the partial vetoes were unconstitutional since the governor can only exercise those powers on bills that appropriate money. A Circuit Court judge ruled Tuesday that the bill makes appropriations.