State Rep. Barb Dietrich previews budget season, constitutional amendments during Hartland visit

State Representative Barb Dietrich addressed the Village of Hartland board and attendees during the board meeting, outlining priorities for the legislative session and inviting local input.

"One thing you will, learn about me is, that I give very short talks because nobody I have ever known has said, gee, I just wish I could listen to a politician a little longer," Dietrich told the meeting. She described the session as unusual because of shifting legislative maps and divided government and said lawmakers will focus on the governor's budget address on Feb. 18.

Dietrich said a constitutional amendment to require voter identification is expected on the April ballot. She also said a separate constitutional amendment was introduced in the legislature to limit what she described as broad line-item veto practices by the governor; under current state practice, Dietrich said, the governor's veto power is unusually broad and the amendment would require striking larger sections rather than editing individual line items. She urged residents to follow the budget process and said she plans local listening sessions; Dietrich said she was scheduled to hold a listening session in Oconomowoc with State Senator Kapinga and invited residents to contact her.

Dietrich answered a question about legislation affecting girls' sports and said she intends to reintroduce related legislation. She left business cards with board members and asked residents to contact her with questions about the budget or constituent concerns. The remarks were introductory; no board action followed directly from her appearance.